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Arkansas Catholic keeps readers informed on topical news and the Church's stance

Published: March 23, 2016

Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's March 19 issue. Some of the stories and columns in Arkansas Catholic appear only in the print and complete digital editions. To read what you're missing, subscribe today.

Pope quietly marks election third anniversary

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis celebrated the third anniversary of his election with a simple Tweet — “Pray for me” — and the usual Sunday recitation of the Angelus prayer with tens of thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Have a heart

Two seventh-graders — Landry Cate and Natalie Jennings — at St. John School in Hot Springs had their work selected to be presented in the recent Have a Heart for Heart student exhibition. (Photo)

Pope: Church must encourage faithful couples

VATICAN CITY -- While the Catholic Church tries to help people whose marriages have failed remain or return to an active Catholic life, it also must express its admiration for people who remain faithful to their marriage vows despite great difficulty, Pope Francis said.

Obituaries

John F. O’Bar, 66, a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Booneville, died Jan. 12. He is survived by ...

More options coax people back to sacrament of reconciliation

DETROIT -- When Father Benjamin Kosnac decided to start offering confessions 30 minutes before every Mass, he wasn’t sure anyone would come.

Theologians reflect on women preaching

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, published several commentaries reflecting on the possibility of allowing laypeople, including women, to preach at Mass.

Number of baptized Catholics worldwide is up, Vatican reports

VATICAN CITY -- The number of baptized Catholics worldwide has grown at a faster rate than that of the world’s population, according to Vatican statistics.

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant journey to his sacrifice

We will have the opportunity to once again hold palm branches for the Lamb of God this Palm Sunday. But why? What’s the reason for this? Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his ultimate sacrifice of himself is written about in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40 and John 12:12-19). So, this event is an important one in his life and can be in ours as well. (Understanding our Church, Seeds of Faith)

Who is the funniest person you know and why?

“The funniest person I know is my good friend Maverick. He makes me smile. When I am sad, he always knows just what to say that makes things better. He is crazy, but in ...” (Youthspeak, Seeds of Faith)

‘Easter Mysteries’ shows one night in 5 Arkansas cities

DENVER (CNS) -- During Holy Week, a new musical theater depiction of the Easter story will hit the big screen at nearly 300 movie theaters around the country for a special one-night showing Tuesday, March 22.

Sex talk should first start with sacredness of creation

How did we ever live without Netflix? I work out on my treadmill in the mornings. And now, thanks to the the iPad and the wonders of online entertainment streaming, I can binge-watch TV shows while I’m exercising. (Columns)

Speaking up for the Mid-East martyrs

Have you signed the pledge? The Knights of Columbus and In Defense of Christians have brought an important issue to the public and have an online pledge Catholics can sign to show their support. (Editorial)