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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.
New Catholics: Welcome to the Church!
Catholic parishes across the Diocese of Little Rock welcomed 544 new Catholics into the Church during Easter Vigil Masses Saturday, March 31. They participated in their parish's Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process and fell into two groups: the elect and candidates. The elect had not been baptized or formed in the Christian faith and life. During the Easter Vigil, they were baptized, confirmed and receive their first Communion. Candidates were already baptized members of other Christian churches who wished to become Catholic. ... More
Holy Saturday: Light overcomes darkness
On Holy Saturday, we gather for the climax of the Easter Triduum. "On this holy night, the Church keeps watch, celebrating the resurrection of Christ in the sacraments and awaiting his return in glory. It is the turning point of the triduum, the Passover of the new covenant, which marks Christ's passage from death to life." Known as the "mother of all vigils," the Easter Vigil Mass takes places after sundown and before daybreak, thus beginning and ending in darkness. This year it is March 31. Visit Arkansas Catholic to find an Easter Vigil Mass in your area. ... More
Good Friday was day the battle was won
On Good Friday, we fast, abstain and relive Jesus' suffering and death so we never forget God's unconditional love and desire for us to be saved. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life." (John 3:16) This is the only day of the year we do not celebrate Mass. This sober service includes the Liturgy of the Word, general intercessions, veneration of the cross and reception of the Eucharist. This year it is March 30. Visit Arkansas Catholic to find a Good Friday service in your area. ... More
Holy Thursday: Jesus calls us to love, serve
During the Mass of the Lord's Supper, we mark the institution of the Eucharist and priesthood and re-enact the washing of feet. This Holy Thursday evening liturgy brings Lent to a close and begins the celebration of the Easter Triduum. This year, it is March 29. Visit Arkansas Catholic to find Mass times in your area. Holy Thursday is traditionally known as Maundy Thursday. The word, “maundy,” comes from the Latin, “mandatum” and means “commandment” or “mandate." During the Last Supper, Jesus commanded the disciples to: "Do this in remembrance of me," ... More
Support seminarian fund on Holy Thursday
The annual Holy Thursday Collection for Seminarian Education will be held March 29. The money from this Diocese of Little Rock collection will support the educational and housing expenses of the diocese's seminarians. It costs more than $1 million to educate these men annually. Msgr. Scott Friend, vicar general and vocations director, said in a letter to be read at all Masses before Holy Thursday that the diocese has raised $2,415,722.99 since the collection started. The diocese has also ordained 27 new priests since 2009. “I am pleased to share with you the good news of your holy investment ... More
Come: Celebrate Easter Triduum with us
The word, "triduum" (TRIH-du-um) comes from the Latin word meaning, "three days." The Easter Triduum celebrates the three days of Christ's passion, death and resurrection, the most sacred time of the liturgical year. It begins at sundown on Holy Thursday, reaches its high point at the Easter Vigil, and concludes with evening prayer at sundown on Easter Sunday. It is also known as the Sacred Triduum or Paschal Triduum. The liturgical celebrations of the Easter Triduum are rich in symbolism and flow from one to the other in a seamless way. They are "one day ... More
Chrism Mass represents unity of diocese
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock on Monday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. Priests from across the Diocese of Little Rock concelebrate this Mass. All are welcome to attend. This unique liturgy invites the entire assembly to renew its baptismal promises and for deacons and priests to renew their vow of obedience to the bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. The bishop also blesses the anointing oils to be used in sacraments and dedications in the coming year. These include the oil for the sick ... More
Arkansas Catholic to go to France in 2019
Arkansas Catholic is hosting a 12-day pilgrimage to see the shrines of France during Lent in April 2019. Pilgrims will visit Lourdes, Paris, Lisieux and Normandy landing beach. Father Tony Robbins will be the spiritual director. The cost is $4,959 per person for double occupancy. This includes lodging, airfare breakfast and dinner, entrance fees to scheduled sites but does not include tips, beverages and insurance. A $600 deposit is required at the time of registration. Final payment is due by Feb. 1, 2019. This is a $100 discount for reservations by May 14. ... More
