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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.
Safe environment changes now effective
Changes to improve and simplify the Diocese of Little Rock’s Safe Environment Program became effective March 1. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor explained the changes in his Decree of Changes to Safe Environment Policies and Procedures for all diocesan, school and parish employees and volunteers, when it was issued in February. The policies, which were put in place in 2002 after the U.S. Catholic bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, were re-evaluated under the direction of Matt Glover, chancellor for canonical affairs. ... More
Seminarians take steps toward ordination
Seven seminarians from the Diocese of Little Rock took steps toward their ordinations recently. Six made their deacon promises at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in Indiana. They are: Michael Johns of Jonesboro; Martin Siebold of North Little Rock; Luke Womack of Hot Springs; William Burmester of Conway; and Stephen Hart and Ramses Mendieta of Little Rock. The special Mass was celebrated March 3 in the school’s St. Thomas Aquinas Chapel. From May 18 to June 2, all six men will be ordained transitional deacons in their home parishes in Arkansas. ... More
Help spread God's mercy in diocese
The 2016 Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal (CASA) begins Feb. 6-7 in parishes across Arkansas. A recorded homily from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will be played at all Masses in English and Spanish and pledge envelopes will be handed out asking parishioners to meet this year's $2 million goal. CASA supports various diocesan, parish and school ministries. This year's theme focuses on the extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, which continues through Nov. 20. "This is the first jubilee in history in which holy doors are to be opened in all dioceses, not just in Rome. Ours is at Our Lady of Good Counsel parish in Little Rock. Access to our holy door is available every day, but starting this weekend, the first Saturday of every month ... More
Share your Lenten recipes by Feb. 3
Fasting and abstaining during Lent present both an opportunity for devotion and a dietary challenge, especially for family meals. Arkansas Catholic’s annual Lenten section will share recipes from readers to help meet that challenge. Please send us your best recipes for the following: vegetarian meals; and family traditional Lenten foods. Send recipes to Malea Hargett, Arkansas Catholic, P.O. Box 7417, Little Rock AR 72217. To consider your recipe for publication, it must be submitted by Feb. 3. Lent begins Feb. 10. To help you prepare for this holy season of prayer, fasting ... More
Religious educators honored for service
Two parish religious educators were honored during the annual Parish Catechetical Leaders' Banquet and Retreat at St. John Catholic Center in Little Rock on Jan. 15-16. Belinda Ortner, director of religious education and Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinator for St.... More
Seminarians take steps in discernment
For the first time, the installation of reader, acolyte and candidacy for Diocese of Little Rock seminarians was held in Arkansas, instead of at the men’s seminaries. The 2015 installation was held Saturday, Dec. 19 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Little Rock for 14 seminarians with a reception held in the gym following the 4:30 p.m. Mass. The admission to candidacy was celebrated for Martin Siebold, Stephen Hart, Michael Johns, Ramsés Mendieta, William Burmester and Luke Womack. Acolyte and candidacy was conferred on Daniel Ramos. ... More
Collection to be taken up for flood victims
Bishop Anthony B. Taylor announced a one-time, special collection to be taken up in all parishes in Arkansas Jan. 9-10 or Jan. 16-17 for victims of recent natural disasters. This collection is part of a nationwide effort to assist those affected by flooding and storms that began in December and continue to cause damage. In a letter to be read at all Masses, the bishop wrote, "Your contributions will assist Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, and its member agencies, including our own Catholic Charities of Arkansas ... More
Extravaganza focuses on pro-life issues
The diocesan Catholic Youth Ministry Office will sponsor its annual Weekend Extravaganza, a "lock'in" for teens at the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Rock Jan. 16-17. This event, which is open to youth in grades 9-12, coincides with the diocese's Mass and March for Life to follow on Jan. 17. Led by the diocesan Youth Advisory Council (YAC), Weekend Extravaganza includes music, skits, prayer service and speakers that focus on right-to-life issues through a teen's perspective. This year's speaker is Monica Kelsey. She was adopted at birth and was 37 years old before she learned the news ... More
