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Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
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Happening Now
The following offers the latest information about events and activities happening in the Diocese of Little Rock.
Clarification as Mass obligation resumes
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following clarification and reminder, Sept. 29, 2020, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock regarding his announcement that he was lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (in person) on Oct. 1, 2020. This was in addition to his Sept. 26 statement that the safety protocols would remain the same for protecting people from the spread of COVID-19 on church property and at church functions. "As we prepare to lift the suspension of the obligation of Sunday Mass attendance for those who are in good health, not ... More
Protocols the same as obligation resumes
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement, Sept. 26, 2020, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock as a follow-up to his announcement that he was lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (in person) on Oct. 1, 2020. "A reminder due to questions that have arisen with the lifting of the suspension of the obligation of in person Sunday Mass attendance: There has been no change in the protocols in place for protecting our people from the spread of COVID-19 on church property and at church functions. All requirements of mask wearing, 6 feet physical ... More
Sunday Mass obligation to resume Oct. 1
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor addressed the following letter, Sept. 25, 2020, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock to announce that he is lifting the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass (in person) for everyone who is in good health and not especially vulnerable or caring for someone who is especially vulnerable on Oct. 1, 2020. “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, and our Sunday communal celebration of the Eucharist is a central and non-negotiable part of who we are as Catholics. However, in view of the threat posed by ... More
One Church partner is St. Bartholomew
The kickoff for the 2020-2021 One Church: Unite Arkansas in Faith and Mission campaign is Sept. 26-27. This year’s partner is St. Bartholomew Church in Little Rock, a predominantly African-American parish started in 1909, that is in need of a new parish life center to house its faith formation activities and serve the neighborhood children through after-school programs. Parishioners have been meeting in the parish's old high school building, which closed in 1964. Major repairs are needed to fix the former school’s cinder-block walls and air conditioning. ... More
Live the Gospel of Life in everything you do
The Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month each October to proclaim the immeasurable value of every person from the beginning of life at fertilization to natural death. Catholics in Arkansas take part in events throughout the month, including Life Chain and 40 Days for Life, to put their faith into prayer and action. In addition, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) assists parishes, schools and other ministries in helping Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life through its annual Respect Life Program, which is a year-round ... More
Deacon candidates installed as acolytes
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor installed 48 men as acolytes during a private Mass at Christ the King Church in Little Rock on Saturday, Sept. 12. These men are in formation for the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Little Rock, a process that began in 2017. The Mass was not open to the public to safeguard against COVID-19. During the Mass, Father Erik Pohlmeier, diaconate formation director, introduced each man, and then Bishop Taylor presented each new acolyte with a paten to symbolize the service the acolyte can provide during Mass. ... More
Fr. Simpson added to Clergy Disclosure List
The Diocese of Little Rock released the following statement, Sept. 1, 2020, regarding a credible allegation of sexual abuse against the late Father Edward Simpson. "On Sept. 10, 2018, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released a statement that included names of clergy who served in Arkansas and who had been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor. An independent review of files was then conducted, and Bishop Taylor issued an additional update on Feb. 8, 2019. The Diocese of Little Rock has long encouraged victims of sexual abuse by clergy to come forward and be heard, ... More
Mary's crown is the promise of our crown
In popular Catholic tradition, Mary's coronation is often reenacted during the month of Mary in May crownings. Typically children, usually those who recently received their first holy Communion, carry roses and place them at the feet of a statue of Mary while placing a crown of roses on top of Mary's head. There are also numerous songs, artworks and prayers depicting Mary's queenship. The feast of the queenship of Mary was established during the universal Year of Mary by Pope Pius XII in 1954. This followed his declaration that the assumption of Mary was a dogma of faith in 1950. ... More
