A year of darkness, light

News you might have missed in 200 words

Bishop Taylor's Christmas letter begins with this sobering line: "2018 has been a year of light and darkness." 

While there is so much to be grateful for this year (think: 10 new diocesan and religious priests in the state), we are also faced with the fact that clergy sexual abuse has still not been completely addressed in the Church.

 We summed up the year with these five big stories:
1. Sexual abuse scandal: New revelations about a cardinal, the Pennsylvania grand jury report, multiple dioceses including Little Rock releasing names of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse against them.
2. Priestly blessings: Over the summer Bishop Taylor ordained eight diocesan priests in two Masses, making it the largest ordination class in 60 years. Two monks were ordained priests as well at Subiaco Abbey.
3. Bishop's anniversary: Bishop Taylor celebrated 10 years in the diocese, making his mark on many vocations and social justice issues.
4. 50 years after Humanae Vitae: The encyclical from 1968 is even more important than ever.
5. Families separated at the border: The short-lived policy separated thousands of families at the border, which had an impact in our state. 

December in review

• The laity has more of a voice in diocesan decisions with the formation of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
• Registration is open for the first Hearts for Life Conference in Little Rock. 
• St. Edward Church in Texarkana returned to a restored church.
• Aj Smith and Marjorie Williams-Smith are two Catholics you should know.
• Epiphany is a feast day that many families and cultures emphasize over Christmas.