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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.
Bishop to lead stations at 40 Days for Life
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will lead the Stations of the Cross at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 15 as part of 40 Days for Life in Little Rock. All are invited to join him in prayer across the street from Little Rock Family Planning Services, the abortion facility located at #4 Office Park Drive. For more information, contact Catherine Phillips, diocesan respect life director, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 326. The 40 Days for Life ministry highlights prayer, fasting and a peaceful, prayer vigil outside an abortion facility to pray for an end to abortion. The Lenten campaign, which is being held in 377 ... More
Additional pastoral changes for March, May
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Friday, March 1 and Monday, March 4, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective March 7: Rev. Ravi Rayappa Gudipalli, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, India, appointed pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Hot Springs. Effective May 7: Rev. Arokiasamy Madhichetty Irudayaraj, a priest of the Diocese of Nellore, India, appointed pastor of St. Mary Church in Arkadelphia, Good Shepherd Church in Fordyce and St. John the Baptist Church in Malvern. ... More
You are dust, and to dust you shall return
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey toward the celebration of Easter. Though it is not a holy day of obligation, it is a day of fast and abstinence. We are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on our forehead on Ash Wednesday. Why? Father Erik Pohlmeier, diocesan director of faith formation, said the prayer offered as ashes are given answers this question. "The words are a reminder of our origins, 'Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.' The ashes and the whole season of Lent are a time to refocus on our relationship with God ... More
Mardi Gras' king cake based on Epiphany
When most Americans think of Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday," the huge party in New Orleans comes to mind. Despite how secular the celebration has become, it still ends strictly at midnight because the basis of the event is Christian. It is held on the last day to overindulge before the solemn season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. According to Franciscan Media, Mardi Gras came to the New World in 1699 when a French explorer arrived at the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans ... More
Bishop to make pastoral changes March 1
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments Friday, Feb. 22, for the Diocese of Little Rock: Effective March 1: Rev. Robert Cigainero begins a leave of absence from his priestly responsibilities; Msgr. David LeSieur relieved of his responsibilities as director of continuing education of the clergy and minster for priests. He remains pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers; Rev. Erik Pohlmeier appointed director of continuing education of the clergy. He remains diocesan director of faith formation; Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, appointed minister to priests. ... More
Jesse Manibusan to speak at convention
The 69th annual Diocese of Little Rock Catholic Youth Convention will be held April 5-7 at Robinson Center and the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock. This year's keynote presentation will be provided by Jesse Manibusan with special sessions on various forms of prayer. This year's theme is: "Love Transforms." The conference is open to high school youth in grades 9-12. The cost is $125 plus hotel fee per person. Scholarships are available upon request. Register though your parish by March 5. Parish youth leaders may register their youth ... More
Bishop updates clergy disclosure list
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following update, Feb. 8, 2019, following the conclusion of Kinsale Management Consulting’s independent review of clergy personnel files and the diocese’s ongoing internal file review. "Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: On September 10 of last year I wrote you about the steps we are taking to address the clergy sexual abuse crisis in Arkansas. I disclosed the names of 12 priests and former priests against whom credible allegations had been received in the last 70 years. I also announced that an independent review of our clergy files ..." ... More
Class for couples married outside Church
Convalidation classes are offered for couples who are married civilly (i.e., "outside the Catholic Church") and who wish to have a valid marriage recognized by the Church. Canon law requires that Roman Catholics marry according to sacred ritual before a priest or deacon, unless a dispensation (permission) is received from the Church beforehand. If a Catholic does not observe this requirement and marries outside the Church, his or her marriage is not valid. Couples who wish to have their civil marriage recognized by the Church are asked to participate in a special ... More
