Bishop Anthony B. Taylor offered priests a preview of his priorities for the Diocese of Little Rock for the next 18 months.
During the annual Chrism Mass April 18 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock where priests recommit to priestly service, Bishop Taylor spoke to about 90 priests and an overflow congregation about the goals he will introduce to the diocese in September.
In his homily in English and Spanish, Bishop Taylor said he was encouraged to come up with three goals for the diocese after attending a program called Good Leaders Good Shepherds targeted specifically for bishops. Eight Arkansas priests recently completed a similar program along with priests from Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
Bishop Taylor said Jesus’ “rallying cry” was “The kingdom of God is at hand.” During his Good Leaders Good Shepherds sessions he was asked, “Which elements of this ongoing work of ‘building the kingdom of God’ should we give special priority to during the next 18 months?”
Bishop Taylor chose the theme “Open your hearts in welcome.” He said his “biggest priorities” for Arkansas will be:
Educating about the changes in the Roman Missal, which go into effect Nov. 27.
Educating engaged couples of child-bearing age about the requirement to attend Natural Family Planning courses, beginning Jan. 1, before they are married.
Welcoming various newcomers to the state, including immigrants, new Catholics, retirees and other Catholics who have relocated to the state and those who have fallen-away from the Church.
“Open your hearts to welcome the Roman Missal. Open your hearts to welcome Natural Family Planning training. And open your hearts to welcome the newcomer,” he said.
Bishop Taylor will provide an audio homily for Masses Sept. 10-11 that will be played in all parishes to explain his priorities more completely.
Bishop Taylor said the priests can begin to prepare the parishes now for the fall priorities.
“I ask you to begin to prepare for this now by making plans to offer programs in your parishes this fall that will help people to open their hearts to the new Roman Missal, and to Natural Family Planning and to welcome warmly the newcomers in our midst,” he said.
The Chrism Mass is a special anniversary for Bishop Taylor.
“It was on the day of the Chrism Mass three years ago that I got the call to come to Little Rock as your bishop, and I am so grateful to all of you for how warmly you continue to open your hearts to me,” he told the priests. “I am also grateful for the love and dedication with which you open your hearts as good leaders and good shepherds, day in and day out, of the flock entrusted to your care.”
Also during the Mass, the bishop blessed the oils used for sacraments, including anointing of the sick, baptism, confirmation and ordination.
