Father Ariel Ramirez, CM, with pastor Father George Sanders, blesses the palms to be used during the Spanish Mass on Palm Sunday, April 9 at St. Mary Church in Hot Springs. The parish recently expanded its ministry to Hispanics. (Judy Peters photo) Prints not available for this photo.

Abbot Leonard Wangler leads monks, parishioners and students in a Palm Sunday procession from Centenary Hall to Abbey Church at Subiaco. (Courtesy Subiaco Abbey) Prints not available for this photo.

Seminarians Jon Miskin, Patrick Friend and Keith Higginbotham present the oil of catechumen during the Chrism Mass April 10 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The holy oils used during the year in all parishes are blessed by the bishop at this annual Mass. Priests also recommit to priestly service during the Mass. (Malea Hargett photo)

Msgr. David LeSieur, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers, is assisted by Deacon Ronnie Hoyt in washing the feet of Madeline Marks at Holy Thursday Mass April 13. Also having their feet washed are Marta Orellano (left), Elda Scott and James Ryan. (Paul Dufford photo)

Father Francis Damoah, pastor at St. Augustine Church in North Little Rock, washes St. Bartholomew parishioner Adelso Martinez Peña’s feet on Holy Thursday while his young son Emmanuel Martinez Peña watches. (Courtesy St. Augustine Church) Prints not available for this photo.

Father Rubén Quinteros, pastor at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in North Little Rock (Marche), washes the feet of parishioner Justin Dobry, 14, during Holy Thursday Mass April 13. (Aprille Hanson photo)

A Blessed Sacrament parishioner adores the cross held by pastor Father Alphose Gollapalli during a Good Friday service in Jonesboro. It was the last Holy Week for parishioners to observe in their church building as the parish is relocating to a new site in 2018. (Sarah Morris photo)

Alfredo Rodriguez carries the cross as Jesus during the Live Stations of the Cross at Immaculate Conception Church in Fort Smith on Good Friday, April 14, while guards Juan Raya (left), Juan García and Juan Orozco surround him. (Karen Schwartz photo)

Father Norbert Rappold, pastor at St. Peter the Fisherman Church in Mountain Home, baptizes Alexander Chafin, 6, while his godmother Joanna Hill holds him up during Easter Vigil Mass April 15. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Father George Sanders lays his hands on Carrie Smith who was received into the Church at Easter Vigil Mass at St Mary of the Springs Church in Hot Springs. (Judy Peters photo) Prints not available for this photo.

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Faithful follow Jesus' death, resurrection during Holy Week

In Arkansas, 585 joined the Church this Easter through Rite of Christian Initiation

Published: April 21, 2017

Paul Dufford

Paul Dufford

A people living in darkness has seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen. (Matthew 4:16)

Parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers are illuminated by candles at the start of the Easter Vigil Mass April 15. Twenty-eight people entered the Church through baptism at St. Vincent de Paul, while another 14 made a profession of faith and became Catholic.

Throughout the diocese, 585 people participated in their parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults to join the Church during the Easter Vigil.

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