Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Understanding Our Church
Explore this treasury of Arkansas writers discussing the Catholic faith on a wide variety of topics. Find what you're looking for by browsing the whole list or search by keyword or author. All articles have been reviewed for theological accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
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Just an obligation? Use pandemic time to reflect on hunger for God Father Erik Pohlmeier What does obligation mean in a time of pandemic? As Catholics we quickly associate this word with participating in Mass on Sundays. |
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Suspending public Masses was in line with ‘common good’ principle Father Jason Tyler While on my way to visit a parishioner in the hospital in early March, someone asked me in the hospital elevator whether my church was still having Sunday services with the coronavirus threat increasing. |
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God’s glory in nature, creation leads us to his presence in Mass Jeff Hines Jesus was a bird watcher. I get this from Matthew 6:26 where Jesus says, “Look at the birds …” Birds are a sign of God’s presence to me. It reminds me of a kayak trip last summer on Frog Bayou in western Arkansas. John Casey, our school counselor, invited me to join him and several others. |
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Jesus feeds us spiritually, physically through Eucharist and Word Deacon Mike Cumnock A life lesson I have learned from the monks of Subiaco Abbey is the use of Lectio Divina in my prayer life. The goal of the process is simply to bring myself into the presence of God through praying the Scriptures. |
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Child reminds us to be joyful receiving Communion Agnes Tirrito “Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them.” (Isaiah 11:6) |
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God’s surprises considered ‘sacred delights’ in the life of Christians Deacon Mike Cumnock When reading sacred Scripture, I am often amazed by the unexpected ways God finds to surprise us, call us and turn our expectations upside down. This has been true throughout our history as his people. |
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Prepare before Mass so heart is open to really hear homily Judy Hoelzeman If I went to a different Mass on Sunday than my parents did, this question usually waited for me when I got home: “What did Father say in the sermon?” I’d think: “Oh no, if only I had listened instead of whispering with my best friend Anne.” |
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Peace can be gained from understanding our venial, mortal sins Kelli Nugent I entered the confessional to confess my sins to the priest — spoken aloud, in humility and with true repentance. |
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Resurgence of deacons has its roots in Nazi concentration camp Betsy Wiederkehr Huss Why do we have ordained deacons in the Catholic Church? The history might surprise you. |
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Gestures in Mass signify unity in body, mind and spirit with Christ Paula Standridge One of the countless treasures of our Catholic faith is the fact that we worship with our whole person: body, mind and spirit. Sometimes we do this so routinely and automatically that we are not even mindful of doing it or forget why we do so. |
