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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.
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
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
Westside clinic now in McDonald Center
In January, Westside Free Medical Clinic moved from Camp Aldersgate to The McDonald Center in Little Rock. It had been serving patients in the former location for the past 36 years. The McDonald Center, located on the campus of St. John Catholic Center, houses Catholic Charities of Arkansas, which includes the staff of Westside Free Medical Clinic. Previously, space for the clinic was not available but relocation of diocesan staff made it possible in recent years. Karen DiPippa, director of Westside Free Medical Clinic, told Arkansas Catholic some speciality services ... More
Second bus added for Germany pilgrimage
Arkansas Catholic is hosting a second bus for an 11-day pilgrimage to see the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany in June 2020. The first bus is full. This event only happens every 10 years so tickets are highly coveted. Pilgrims will also visit Austria, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Father William Burmester will be the spiritual director. The cost is $3,939 per person for double occupancy. This includes lodging, breakfast and dinner, entrance fees to scheduled sites but does not include airfare at this time. A $600 deposit is required at the time of registration. ... More
Holy Land Pilgrimage to benefit schools
The Catholic Schools Office is hosting a 9-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land in February 2019. Pilgrims will visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Capernaum, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, Nazareth, Cana, Jordan, Mount Tabor, Jericho, Caesarea, Jaffa and much more. Father John Marconi and Deacon John Hall will be the spiritual directors. The cost is $3,999 per person. This includes lodging, airfare from Little Rock, breakfast and dinner, air-conditioned motor coach, full-time tour manager and departure tax and current fuel charge. ... More
Bishop appeals for conscience protection
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor wrote the following letter, March 9, 2018, to the Arkansas delegation in Washington asking them to pass the Conscience Protection Act, which would protect doctors and nurses from being forced to assist with abortions. The letter reads: “I am contacting you to urge that the Conscience Protection Act (HR 644/S 301) be enacted into law as part of the final FY 2018 funding bill. “I realize that you understand the urgent need for Americans to be free from the government being able to force them to violate their deeply held convictions about the respect ... More
Need to renew DACA is urgent, agency says
Recent court decisions require the federal government to resume accepting applications to renew expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) cases. Catholic Immigration Services in Little Rock and Springdale strongly encourages all DACA recipients to renew their Employment Authorization cards as soon as possible, if their DACA has expired or will expire within the next 150 days. This will allow recipients to keep work permits and to renew driver’s licenses for another two years. Because the future status of DACA is uncertain, the need to renew is urgent. ... More
