The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
   

Answering God’s calling

The Catholic Church was blessed to welcome 423 new Catholics this Easter. In this section, you will find the names of the new members; photos and quotes from some converts about why they chose to join our Church; a profile on how a former Southern Baptist minister and his wife, who formerly attended Assembly of God services, found their faith in the Eucharist and a report on Ecumenical Stations of the Cross being held for the first time at St. John the Baptist Church in Hot Springs. Let us continue to pray for our new fellow Catholics and those considering converting, too!

 

Why am I becoming Catholic?

By Arkansas Catholic Staff, Published: April 25, 2022   

Quotes gathered by Alesia Schaefer, James Keary, Dwain Hebda, Aprille Hanson Spivey, Chris Price and Maryanne Meyerriecks. “The reason why I want to become Catholic is not only because my husband is a Catholic, but I knew in order to restore my life to God I needed structure and discipline. As a former pagan, I knew that if I didn't devote myself fully, my sins may be too unforgettable in the end. I ended up at More... 

Diocese of Little Rock welcomes 423 new Catholics

Published: April 16, 2022   

During the Easter Vigil Mass, 423 people will enter the Church through baptism or by making a profession of faith.  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 will make a profession of faith and also be confirmed and receive first Communion.  Note: Candidates in some parishes entered the Church over the past 12 months as part More... 

Hot Springs church offers Ecumenical Stations of the Cross

By James Keary, Published: April 15, 2022   

About 80 people attended the Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at St. John the Baptist Church April 8. Although parishioners were urged to bring non-Catholics who may be interested in Catholicism, the first Ecumenical Stations of the Cross appeared to be mostly members of the church. “I thought it was a little different,” said Jim Lockwood, a parishioner and convert. “It was good to have things that are different. We went to the stations at St. Mary’s, More... 

‘COVID Catholics’ lean on Eucharist for their strength

By Aprille Hanson Spivey, Published: April 14, 2022   

When the Plummer family walked into St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Waldron in early 2020 for the first time, it was a moment that was about 10 years in the making. From Trey Plummer’s time as a Southern Baptist minister to his wife Evanie’s solid faith upbringing in nondenominational and later Assembly of God churches, they were on a righteous path, but were unsure of the destination. For the high school sweethearts and their three More...