Arkansas Catholic's Print Edition

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Here are some of the stories you missed if you didn't read Arkansas Catholic's April 10 issue.

Pope: Christ's victory over death a second chance for all

VATICAN CITY -- The Easter liturgies -- with the fire, sharing of light from the paschal candle, the renewal of baptismal promises and the proclamation that Jesus has risen — assure people that it is never too late to start again, Pope Francis said.

Poet Dante a 'prophet of hope' for world

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The life and works of the famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri remain a lasting treasure that embodies the virtue of hope so desperately needed in today's world, Pope Francis said.

Misunderstood 'reform' causes Church divisions

VATICAN CITY -- After the preacher of the papal household called on Catholics to repent for the ways they are dividing the Church, the Vatican secretary of state said the divisions are real and they are harmful.

Church continues worldwide growth, except Europe

VATICAN CITY -- The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world has shown steady growth, while the number of religious men and women continued to decrease, according to Vatican statistics.

Anti-Asian hate crimes, violence spike during pandemic

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Asian and Pacific Islander Catholic groups and a number of Catholic bishops have joined their voices with others in calling for an end to violence and hate crimes against Americans of Asian and Pacific Island heritage.

Pew Research: Most know Biden’s religion, but some question his faith

WASHINGTON -- That President Joe Biden is the second Catholic U.S. president is less in dispute among Americans than the practice of his faith, according to a poll released March 30 by the Pew Research Center.

What can I do to avoid distractions during prayer?

Q. Because of what has been going on in the world lately -- the pandemic, difficulty finding work, etc. -- I am having trouble concentrating when I pray. Any suggestions for avoiding such distractions? (Question Corner, Seeds of Faith)

Practicing baptism spurs thoughts on the sacrament

Reverently, my friend held the pumpkin over the makeshift baptismal font. As I poured the cleansing waters over its wrinkled stem, saying “Cecila, I baptize you …” the aura of holiness succumbed to peals of laughter and the chapel echoed with joy. (Columns)

One thing to ask yourself this Easter season

How glorious it is to have our churches open in the United States this Easter! While the decision of bishops across the U.S. to close churches a year ago at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was the correct one -- rooted both in prudence and charity -- we are overjoyed that those who are able to do so safely can once again celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord within their parish communities. (Guest commentary)