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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.
Come and See in Rogers (CANCELED)
The next Come and See Priesthood Discernment Retreat will be held Saturday, June 1 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers. Rooted in prayer and to include hiking, talks, discussion and Mass, this retreat aims to provide a living encounter with Christ to explore diocesan priesthood. It is open to single men ages 16 and older. The retreat will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend. Meals and snacks will be provided. Transportation can be arranged if needed. Activities will be offered in English and Spanish. Mail the registration form ... More
Brackett to be ordained a deacon May 15
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the diaconate ordination Mass of Joel Brackett at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers. Being ordained a transitional deacon is a major step toward priestly ordination. A reception will follow in the parish hall. All are invited to attend. If unable to attend, watch the event live on the parish's Facebook page. Guests are welcome to come early to pray for Brackett at 4 p.m. During this time of eucharistic adoration and vespers, prayers will be offered for him and an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life. ... More
7 seminarians further their discernment
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is installing seven Diocese of Little Rock seminarians as candidates, lectors and acolytes as part of their journey toward priesthood during special Masses in May at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock. All are invited to attend. The bishop celebrated the Admission to Candidacy Mass Saturday, May 4 at 4:30 p.m. Phillip Necessary, of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, and Samuel Stengel, of St. Joseph Church in Paris, demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination and were installed as candidates during the Mass. ... More
May crowning reenacts Mary's coronation
In popular Catholic tradition, Mary's coronation in heaven is often reenacted during the month of Mary in May crownings. Typically children, often 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, poetry, artworks and prayers depicting Mary's queenship. Many Catholic parishes and schools in Arkansas observe this tradition in the first week of May. Contact a school or parish directly to see if this event is being held in your area. ... More
Bishop issues clergy changes April 19
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced the following pastoral appointments and corrections, April 19, 2024, for the Diocese of Little Rock. Effective May 1: Rev. Mauricio Carrasco, appointed director of spiritual formation for the House of Formation in Little Rock (not prefect, as previously announced); Rev. Daniel Velasco, relieved of the office of director of spiritual formation of the House of Formation. He remains pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church in Little Rock and director of the diocesan School of Spiritual Direction; Rev. Jeff Hebert, remains prefect of the House of ... More
Father Thomas Keller, 91, died April 13
Father Thomas Keller, the oldest and longest-serving diocesan priest, died April 13. He was 91. A Little Rock native, Father Keller was the youngest of seven children born Jan. 13, 1933, to Walter and Isabelle Keller. He graduated from Catholic High School in Little Rock in 1950 and attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania before enrolling in St. John Home Mission Seminary. Bishop Albert Fletcher ordained Father Keller to the priesthood May 15, 1958. Father Keller served parishes in Pine Bluff, De Queen, Fayetteville, Texarkana, Searcy, Newport, Mena, Jonesboro ... More
May dedicated to Mary, our greatest saint
In Catholic tradition, the month of May is dedicated to Mary. Chosen by God above all other women, Mary's faith and obedience paved the way for the Incarnation. Her example teaches us faith, obedience, humility and most of all, how to love. According to St. Thomas of Villanova, "If in this world any creature ever loved God with whole heart, with whole soul, and with whole mind, she was the creature.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Mary's unique role as being honored above all other saints, including the Apostles. At the foot of the cross, her heart broke ... More
685 become Catholic during Easter Vigil
Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock welcomed 685 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses on Holy Saturday, March 30. This is a significant increase after the decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. These neophytes (new Catholics) participated in their parish's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process and fell into two groups: elect and candidates. The elect had not been baptized or formed in the Christian faith and life. During their initiation they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. ... More
