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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 comments on Eucharist document
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor released the following statement, June 29, 2021, on the proposed teaching document of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine regarding the Eucharist and how he voted. “I have received numerous requests from people who want to know how I voted on the question of whether to authorize the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to produce a teaching document on the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church. The purpose of this document, which has not yet even been composed, is to serve as part of a larger plan of the USCCB ... More
Pope: Sharing life in marriage is beautiful
During what is commonly referred to as wedding season, Pope Francis focused his prayer intention on the beauty of marriage. The video, released through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network in June, addresses the fact that many young people don't want to get married in this day and age. "Is it true, what some people say — that young people don’t want to get married, especially during these difficult times?" he asked. The focus on marriage is part of the universal year of the family, which began in March. The video is a project of the Vatican's Dicastery for the Laity, ... More
Charismatic conference marks 50 years
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will celebrate the opening Mass for the 2021 Arkansas Catholic Charismatic Conference at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 23 at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock. This event, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will be held July 23-25. In addition to Mass, the conference will offer praise and worship music, prayer, workshops, a healing service, eucharistic adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and vendors selling Catholic items and books. Programs are available for children, teens and adults. See full conference schedule. Visit the website ... More
Father Ralph Esposito, 80, dies May 14
Father Greg Luyet, judicial vicar, sent the following letter, Monday, May 17, 2021, to diocesan priests regarding the death of Father Ralph Esposito on May 14. "With faith in eternal life, I announce the death of Father Ralph J. Esposito. He died on May 14, 2021 in New Castle, Pennsylvania where he had moved following his retirement to be closer to his family. A memorial Mass will take place at a later date per the wishes of Father Esposito. There will be no public viewing. He will be buried at St. Vitus Cemetery in New Castle, Pennsylvania. As is our custom, please offer ... More
Five men to be ordained priests May 29
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain five men to the priesthood for the Diocese of Little Rock at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 at Barton Coliseum located on the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. They are: Deacons Alex Smith, Emmanuel Torres, Omar Galván, Brian Cundall and Ben Riley. A holy hour to pray for these men and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life will be held the night before at 6:30 p.m. at St. Edward Church. This will be the first time the diocese has hosted an ordination at Barton Coliseum. Bishop Francis I. Malone of Shreveport ... More
Nieto, Wendel to be ordained deacons
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will ordain two Diocese of Little Rock seminarians to the diaconate in May. They are Jaime Nieto and Daniel Wendel. Through this process they will become transitional deacons, which is a major step toward priestly ordination. The diaconate ordination Mass for Jaime Nieto will be celebrated at 6 p.m. Friday, May 21 at St. Raphael Church in Springdale. This Mass will be livestreamed on the parish's Facebook page. A holy hour will precede the ordination at 4 p.m. Prayers will be offered for him, his continued discernment of priesthood and an increase ... More
Mask-wearing optional, but recommended
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued the following letter, May 9, 2021, to the people of the Diocese of Little Rock about further loosening the protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our parishes. "Now that most Arkansans over the age of 16 have access to a coronavirus vaccination, I have sought the advice of the Presbyteral Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council regarding next steps, and so today I am pleased to promulgate two things. First a further loosening of the anti-COVID-19 protocols that for over a year have prevented an outbreak of disease in any of our parishes ... More
Father Robert Dienert, 90, dies on May 9
Father Robert Dienert, a diocesan priest for 58 years, died on Sunday, May 9. He was 90. A rosary and vigil service will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 12 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in North Little Rock (Marche). The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 13, also at Immaculate Heart of Mary, with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Msgr. James O’Connell Seminarian Fund, Diocese of Little Rock, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217-7565. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor addressed the following letter to all priests ... More
