News for Catholic living from the Diocese of Little Rock

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July 10, 2020

Father Warren Harvey, the bishop’s liaison to the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics, hands a bottle of Aunt Jemima syrup to seminarian Thomas De Prez to pass around the room at the House of Formation in Little Rock July 2. Father Harvey led the listening session for the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics with seminarians about racism. (Aprille Hanson photo)

‘We aren’t born racist’

The disparities between white Americans and Black Americans in health care, the workforce and in the criminal justice system are stark. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor issued a statement July 2 to look at racial inequality and the Black Lives Matter movement. Later that day, Bishop Taylor joined seminarians and members of the Diocesan Council for Black Catholics for an eye-opening dialogue about racial injustice.

JUST ONE MINUTE

“The sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out ... he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” (John 10:3-5)

Knowing these basic principles of discernment in our daily life can lead to tremendous growth and freedom in our relationship with God and others. So where do we go from here? Applying these principles to daily life:

Be aware: Pay attention to your inner thoughts, feelings and voices.
Understand: Notice whether they are coming from the Holy Spirit or the enemy.
Take action: Reject the ones from the enemy and accept the ones from the Holy Spirit.

Reflection: Try to live the big three in your choices today. At the end of the day visit with the Lord about your day.

— Deacon Danny Hartnedy

St. Veronica

July 12
Veronica does not appear in the Roman Martyrology, the Church's official list of feasts. According to tradition, she was the woman who took pity on Jesus as he carried his cross, wiped his face with a cloth and was left with an image of the suffering Christ. There is no evidence that she was real.
What about that cloth?

DAVE SAYS

Insurance for single parents

I’m 32, a teacher and a single mom. I was wondering about life insurance. My son is only 2, and if something happened to me, he would go to his father. His dad is in good shape financially and responsible with money.
How much life insurance?

PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS

Who's moving?

Priest assignments usually released in April were announced by Bishop Taylor July 3. One priest, Father Mike Sinkler, is retiring and two seminarians who will be ordained in August got their first assignments. Sixteen other changes were also announced.

JULY DATEBOOK

11-12: Peter’s Pence Collection in all parishes
19-25: National Natural Family Planning Awareness Week

• Most events are modified or canceled. Contact your local parish and school for updates on postponed events.

QUOTE UNQUOTE

"As with Ebola, smallpox, polio and HIV/AIDs, the COVID-19 virus does not recognize national borders. A global response, therefore, is needed to save lives around the world and here in the United States."

— Catholic Health Association July 7 on U.S.'s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization

July aSpirations

• "Fun nun" now leading Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro
• Father Rotok in Pine Bluff will celebrate his 25th anniversary this year
• Receiving Eucharist for the first time was worth the wait for Fayetteville family

Thanks for reading aSpire. Craving more? Take a nibble on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; get some depth on the Arkansas Catholic website. And for a heaping helping, subscribe to Arkansas Catholic. Oh, and forward this issue to share!

Have a news tip? Please contact me.
Your humble editor,
Malea Hargett
Arkansas Catholic

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