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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Jan. 12, 2021, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Dec. 23, 2020: Rev. Chandra Ery, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Joseph Church in Conway and St. Oscar Romero Catholic Community in Greenbrier to continue his ministry in the Diocese of Superior. Effective Jan. 8, 2021: Rev. Maraiah Pasala, relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock to return to his home Diocese of Nellore, India. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual Mass for Life Sunday, Jan.17 at 12:05 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. The restrictions to safeguard against COVID-19 will be observed. Therefore, seating will be limited. The Mass will be livestreamed on the diocese's YouTube channel to allow more people to participate. Subscribe to the channel to get notifications when new videos are posted. The other diocesan events normally held before the Mass have been canceled this year. These include the: Weekend for Life for teens, Hearts for Life ... More
Normally, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrates the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass in January at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. However, this Mass, which was scheduled for Jan. 9 has been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics will host three smaller gatherings at the predominantly black parishes in central Arkansas this month. The first memorial Mass to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose national holiday is celebrated Jan. 18, will be held at St. Peter Church in Pine Bluff at 4:30 p.m. ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement Dec. 21, 2020, regarding COVID-19 vaccines. “As vaccinations against COVID-19 have begun in the United States, some parishioners have asked whether it is morally permissible to receive a vaccine since all of the vaccines currently in use were developed with some connection to a past abortion. I commend these concerned persons for their careful consideration of this matter, but I also wish to be very clear here: receiving the vaccine is morally permissible. In fact, to be vaccinated against COVID-19 now is morally praiseworthy ... More
The annual Christmas collection is the primary source of income for the Clergy Welfare Fund, which supports retired and infirm priests of the Diocese of Little Rock. This special collection will be taken up during all Masses at Catholic parishes in Arkansas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. "Most of our priests work well into their 70s and beyond, caring for the spiritual life and welfare of their people, and there are many nearing retirement," explained Bishop Anthony B. Taylor in a letter to be read at all Christmas Masses. "They have given us the gift of their hearts and their lives ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Dec. 17, 2020, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective Jan. 9, 2021: Rev. Keith Higginbotham, appointed associate pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers. He is relieved of his responsibilities as administrator of St. Louis Church in Camden and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Magnolia; and Rev. Michael Johns, appointed administrator of St. Louis Church in Camden and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Magnolia. He is relieved of his responsibilities as associate pastor of St. Vincent ... More
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor posted the following update to his Facebook page, Dec. 15, regarding his condition after testing positive for COVID-19. "Just a quick update on my health: The Monoclonal Antibody Infusion I received on Friday, Dec. 11 really has made a big difference, and by Sunday my symptoms had improved markedly. My main symptoms now are just coughing and fatigue, which may continue for some time even when I am out of quarantine. Sincere thanks to everyone for their prayers and support." He posted about his positive test result to his Facebook page on Dec. 10. ... More
The next Come and See Retreat will be held Jan. 2-3 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. Rooted in prayer and to consist of talks, group discussion, vocational videos and personal testimonies by priests and seminarians, this retreat is designed to help participants explore more deeply a possible calling to the diocesan priesthood. Masks and social distancing are required to safeguard against COVID-19. It is open to single men ages 16 and older. There is no cost to attend this retreat. Accommodations and meals will be provided. Transportation can be arranged if needed. ... More