The Official Newspaper of the Diocese of Little Rock
After years of schooling, thousands of hours of prayer and discernment and time spent experiencing firsthand the daily life of a parish, Deacons Juan Guido, Robert Cigainero and Rick Hobbs III are set to join the ranks of the ordained in Arkansas.
Each took time from working their list of remaining details leading to the May 17 ordination Mass at Christ the King Church in Little Rock to share with Arkansas Catholic a little of what More... 
So you think you are being called to become a diocesan priest?
Here is the typical path men take to become priests in the Diocese of Little Rock.
• Click to view the infographic in a new window.
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Every transitional deacon who stands on the threshold of priestly ordination does so at the end of a long journey, but look closer and you’ll find some journeys are longer than others.
And in those cases, such as Deacon Rick Hobbs III’s 30-year trek to the priesthood, the extra time on the journey only multiplies the joy upon arrival.
“The opportunity to be a priest is the most awesome thing in the world,” he said. “I don’t More...
Deacon Juan Guido probably would have been a priest no matter where his family landed after emigrating here from Mexico in 2001. But asked if there is special significance attached to being a priest in the Diocese of Little Rock, he doesn’t even hesitate.
“We have open hearts for all people,” he said. “We listen to the people, we walk with the people, we cry with them. It’s so wonderful to be in the Diocese of More...
If priests are people too, then seminarians just a short stone’s throw from ordination are like any other college student champing for graduation to arrive so they can get on with their life’s work.
“I have to admit, I’ve had a little bit of senioritis,” said Deacon Robert Cigainero. “I love the seminary, don’t get me wrong, but ever since I got my assignment, these last few weeks of school have been hard. I am ready More...
Father Josh Stengel, 34, said some of the best memories he had with his uncle were on camping, hunting and canoeing trips as a child.
While the memories are not out of the ordinary for a young boy growing up in Arkansas, it’s his uncle’s calling in life that set those experiences apart — a Benedictine monk.
“When he was just a child I was a priest at the time and we’d be out there on a More...
Once the chasuble comes off and the office door closes for the day, what’s a priest to do?
Apparently, there is no lack of outlets for the men in black in the diocese. Priests watch NASCAR races, cook, study languages and music, work out, play sports and collect a variety of items.
In their off time many priests have interests that would delight, inspire and surprise the faithful around the state.
Father Charles Thessing, pastor of St. Michael More...
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