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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.
Enter the 2019 directory photo contest
Arkansas Catholic is holding a contest to choose a photo for the cover of the 2019 Catholic Diocese of Little Rock Directory. Any professional or amateur photographer in Arkansas can enter their photo of the inside or outside of a Catholic church or institution in the diocese. March 16 is the deadline to enter the contest. For complete rules and an entry form, visit Arkansas Catholic. Jack Pruniski, of Little Rock, took the winning photo for last year's directory photo contest. His photo of St. Boniface Church in the New Dixie community was featured on the cover of 2018 directory. ... More
National Catholic Call-in Day is Feb. 26
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor is urging all Catholics to participate in the National Catholic Call-in Day for the Protection of Dreamers on Monday, Feb. 26. The U.S. Senate on Feb. 15 failed to pass three separate pieces of legislation that would have given a path to citizenship to 1.8 million undocumented immigrants, commonly called Dreamers. Please call Arkansas' U.S. Senators Tom Cotton and John Boozman, and your district's U.S. house representative to urge them to pass legislation to protect Dreamers from deportation. Call the senators through the Capitol switchboard ... More
Bishop greets initiates at Rite of Election
Each year, bishops in dioceses worldwide personally welcome those going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process during the Rite of Election, a special service held at the beginning of Lent. This year, Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will meet nearly 550 catechumens and candidates in four Rite of Election services being held in the following locations: Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro, Feb. 15; St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, Feb. 17; Christ the King Church in Little Rock, Feb. 18; and St. Edward Church in Texarkana, Feb. 19. ... More
Theology Institute comes to an end in June
Because of declining enrollment, Little Rock Theology Institute will close in June after 21 years of teaching Scripture, theology and philosophy to lay Catholics. Read about its history in Arkansas Catholic. This three-year academic program for adults in the Diocese of Little Rock has offered students an opportunity for personal enrichment, catechist certification and to earn a bachelor's degree in theology. The classes, which have been offered monthly, were taught by diocesan staff and professors from various Catholic colleges and universities at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. ... More
Lenten retreat offers silence with God
Deepen your friendship with the Lord in sacred stillness and quiet through the Ignatian Silent Directed Retreat March 15-18 at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock. This Lenten faith formation program for adults will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday and end on Sunday at noon. Participants will learn about silent prayer and how to seek God and his plan for their lives in the sacred silence. The retreat fee of $300 includes nine meals, accommodations for three nights and daily spiritual direction. Space is limited. Register as soon as possible to secure participation. The deadline is March 1. ... More
Bishop joins 40 Days for Life in prayer
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will lead the Stations of the Cross during the Lenten campaign of 40 Days for Life Friday, March 9 in Little Rock. All are invited to join him across the street from Little Rock Family Planning Services, the abortion clinic at #4 Office Park Drive on Friday, at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Catherine Phillips, diocesan respect life director, at (501) 664-0340, ext. 326. The international 40 Days for Life campaign highlights prayer, fasting and a peaceful, prayer vigil outside an abortion facility to pray for an end to abortion. In Little Rock, the campaign will kick off ... More
Mardi Gras celebrates Christ the King
Traditionally, Mardi Gras, which is French for "Fat Tuesday", involves a big celebration where partygoers overindulge one last time before the solemn season of Lent begins the following day on Ash Wednesday, which is a day of fast and abstinence. This year, Mardi Gras will be celebrated Feb. 13. In many cultures, the time between the Christmas season and Lent is known as "carnival." Carnival comes from the Latin words, "carne vale," meaning "farewell to the flesh." Like many Catholic celebrations, Mardi Gras likely has its roots in pre-Christian traditions based on the seasons. ... More
Ash Wednesday allows us to start anew
Each year, Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey toward the celebration of Easter. Even though Ash Wednesday falls on Valentine's Day this year, it remains a day of fast and abstinence. Some have suggested Catholics move Valentine's Day to Feb. 13 (Mardi Gras). To learn more, read Arkansas Catholic. On Ash Wednesday, we are marked with ashes, in the form of a cross, on our forehead. 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 ... More
