The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
For the first time in two years, parish doors will be open for Holy Week, receiving new Catholics into the Church for Easter. After public Masses were suspended last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Easter is particularly special for those who have waited significantly longer to join the Catholic Church.
FORT SMITH — Jennifer Burchett’s spiritual journey to Catholicism began in March 2018 when she began working as the communications director of St. Scholastica Monastery.
She brought extensive experience in non-profit organizations but feared her lack of knowledge about Catholicism, and churches in general, might be an obstacle to her success.
“I wasn’t raised in a religious home,” Burchett said. “When I was in junior high school, I went to a Baptist church in Lubbock with a More... 
HOT SPRINGS -- Four years ago Ryan Burton was curious about joining the Catholic Church and he hasn’t stopped learning.
The 31-year-old body shop estimator drove past St. Mary Church in Hot Springs several times and liked the beauty and the setting. He finally walked inside and later met the former pastor, Father George Sanders, who provided him with information on the steps to join the Church.
“I was driving by and I had this strong urge More...
Since May 2020, 382 people have entered the Church through baptism or by making a profession of faith. Many of these people will become Catholic during the Easter Vigil Masses, but some have already completed a shortened process and were allowed to enter the Church earlier.
The elect, formerly known as catechumen, have not been baptized. They will receive baptism, confirmation and first Communion. Candidates are Christians who are seeking full communion in the Church and More...
Quotations gathered by Alesia Schaefer, Aprille Hanson Spivey, Dwain Hebda, Maryanne Meyerriecks and James Keary.
“Joining the Church has been a desire of mine for more than half my life. I was reared in the Assembly of God denomination from birth and baptized at age 7. In my early adolescence I began to study the traditions of the Church and felt called to Catholicism at age 14. I knew that I wanted to make the journey More...
Steve Straessle takes new role as CHS head of school
This is the Eucharistic Revival parish year
Fort Smith dog chooses priest as her new owner
Hot Springs deacon marked 10th anniversary in diaconate
Bishop to new priests: Care for those with greatest needs