Judges clad in black robes, lawyers in suits and law professors and students filed into Christ the King Church in Little Rock for the 30th annual Red Mass Oct. 4.
The Red Mass, formally known as the Solemn Mass of the Holy Spirit, serves as a special gathering for those in public service and the legal profession to seek God’s blessing and guidance as they carry out their responsibilities in the judicial and legislative branches.
Russell Bailey, president of the St. Thomas More Society of Arkansas, said this year’s Red Mass is particularly noteworthy.
“This year’s Red Mass is particularly important because we are celebrating the 30th Annual Red Mass here in Little Rock,” he said. “The tradition of the Red Mass dates back centuries (in Europe) and over 100 years in the U.S. To be celebrating our 30th Annual Red Mass in Little Rock is quite the accomplishment and a testament to the longstanding leadership of the St. Thomas More Society of Arkansas and our state’s legal community.”
At the noon Mass, Father Greg Luyet, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Little Rock and judicial vicar for the Diocesan Tribunal Office, spoke about the importance of working for the common good and the world, especially on Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
“Every year we come together to invoke the Holy Spirit in our work and in our service, and we ask the Holy Spirit to guide us so that we exercise power in all decisions, executive, legislative, judicial or personal, to be aware of our stewardship to the common good, our community, our Church, our world.” Father Luyet said. “… In this reading from Genesis, we see God giving human beings the responsibility to care for creation, to care for the environment, to care for each other. … But corruption comes into our decision-making. We can make decisions based on what seems to be expedient as opposed to what seems to be just.”
The Red Mass and award ceremony are organized by the St. Thomas More Society. The society is named after a distinguished attorney from medieval England who was also a devout Catholic.
Father Luyet said that while St. Francis of Assisi embraced poverty and simplicity, St. Thomas More held one of the highest positions in English society — yet both men were able to work for the greater good and be examples for their faith.
Following the Mass, the organization honored Reginald “Reggie” Rogers, who has been practicing law since 1984.
Rogers, a graduate of St. Edward School and Catholic High School in Little Rock, graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in government. He received his law degree from the George Washington National Law Center in 1984 and is licensed to practice law in state and federal courts in Arkansas, as well as the fourth and eighth circuit court of appeals.
Rogers’ 40-year career includes having his own private practice from 1986 to 1991, serving as the assistant attorney general from 1991 to 1994, the senior assistant attorney and currently managing attorney for the Arkansas Department of Health since 2012.
Rogers, a member of St. Edward Church in Little Rock, has been honored with awards, including the Arkansas Attorney General’s Award, Big Brother of the Year from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pulaski County, Catholic High’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, Mount St. Mary Academy’s Sister Mary Phillips Award, Little Rock Fire Department’s Citizen Life-Saving Award and the Gaines House Award for over 25 years of service in 2023,
In his acceptance speech, Rogers thanked his family for their efforts and encouragement in both his faith and career.
“I also want to recognize my parents. I was blessed to have a fantastic childhood,” he said, overcome with emotion.
Rogers, who has spent decades supporting the athletics programs at Mount St. Mary Academy and Catholic High School, encouraged attendees to get involved in their local schools.
“If you have a chance, support your schools, whether it’s public school or private school,” he said. “These kids are under so much temptation, and your presence can help fight all of the distractions and temptations that they have, and that means a lot.”
Rogers told Arkansas Catholic he was “pretty overwhelmed” receiving the award.
“It’s in honor of my parents and my family … I just show up every now and then,” he said.
Rogers offered a word of advice to Catholic lawyers and law students.
“Just remember to always treat others fairly and do unto others as you would want to be done unto you,” he said. “Get out in the community, help the community, help the schools, join nonprofits and do good.”
Deacon Jim Goodhart, former president of the Arkansas chapter of the St. Thomas More Society, said Rogers is a role model for Catholics and attorneys everywhere.
“Many of us who have known Reggie through the years believe he is very deserving of the award,” he said. “I can’t say enough about how well Reggie models his Catholic faith in all he does, including his professional life as a government attorney for the State of Arkansas, in his family life and as an active member of the community in Little Rock.”
Bailey praised Rogers for his dedication and involvement to the Church and civic community.
“I have known Reggie for over a decade through my involvement with the St. Thomas More Society of Arkansas,” he said. “Reggie has served as president of the St. Thomas More Society on two separate occasions, and he is a long-term, dedicated member of our board. … Reggie’s dedication to the St. Thomas More Society and support of his beloved Notre Dame and Catholic High are unmatched.”



