On a Sunday afternoon, a Christian Palestinian family was stopped at an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) checkpoint while traveling back from a day of swimming in Jordan to their home in Beit Jala, northwest of Bethlehem.

“(The soldier), she says, ‘Wait, wait a second. Give me your crosses. Give me your icons — those are religious images that people have on their car — ‘and now give me a piece of tissue paper.’ She wraps them up and throws them in the garbage.” 

It’s one of several personal stories Mother Agapia Stephanopoulos, a Russian Orthodox nun and outspoken Palestinian advocate, shared about the decades-long persecution and targeted mistreatment she’s seen first-hand of Palestinian Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land to a crowd of Catholics, Protestants, Muslims and other faiths at New Millennium Church in Little Rock Nov. 8. 

“Christians have to be aware that we’re losing our legacy in the Holy Land, both by the Christians not being able to live there, having it difficult for them to live there and also by the taking over of the holy places,” she said. 

Divisions, restrictions

Mother Agapia, born Anastasia Stephanopoulos to a Greek Orthodox family in New Jersey, is the sister of George Stephanopoulos, co-anchor of “Good Morning America.” She became a member of the Russian Orthodox Church and, in 1996, moved to the convent of St. Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem. She ran the convent’s Orthodox girls’ school in Bethany, spending decades living and working in harmony and mutual respect with Muslims in the West Bank, one of two Palestinian territories, the other being the Gaza Strip. 

A common theme throughout her two-hour discussion was IDF travel restrictions. The long-standing I.D. system restricts the movements of Palestinians, making it difficult to access holy sites.

“I was driving one day in August of 2001, and all of a sudden, there’s big cement cubes on the street, and we can’t use that road anymore to get where we are. Then, eventually, they built what became a wall right next to Lazarus’ tomb, barely a mile from the school. … It affects every Palestinian there. If you’re a Christian, if you live in Bethlehem, you can’t go to the Holy Sepulchre, the tomb of Christ,” Mother Agapia said.

Faith in persecution 

According to estimates posted on the United States Department of State website, state.gov, there are roughly 50,000 Christian Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and almost 1,000 Christians in Gaza.

“In spite of the difficulties, there’s something about the family connectedness, the warmth, the Palestinian hospitality. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s something we should also recognize as people that we’re missing in this western world,” Mother Agapia said. “It’s sort of a timelessness. If you go to any family in Palestine, no matter what’s going on, the persecution or stuff (they’ll still say) ‘Please come have coffee, come in.’” 

Mother Agapia emphasized that as Christians dwindle in Palestine, there’s a threat of losing “living communities” of faith, where churches morph into museums for tourists. She explained that the Israeli military has promoted this idea of tourism rather than local worship, hoping that tourists use Israeli tour guides instead of Palestinian ones. 

“I never had a more close experience to God than when I’ve been in churches in Palestine,” she said. “… They may not be sophisticated in theology, but because they’re from the land of Christ, they feel it in their bones and in their soul.” 

Speaking truth 

Israel and Palestine have dominated news cycles since the Hamas-led militant attack Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the two-year war. The terrorist group abducted 251 people and killed about 1,200, according to an Oct. 17 Associated Press article. 

On Nov. 11, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 69,182 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza from Israel’s military response over the past two years. That includes three who died after the targeted July attack on the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza. Questions remain about peace following a United States-led negotiation of a ceasefire Oct. 10. 

While Mother Agapia called the Hamas attack on Jews “horrific,” the persecution of Palestinians was happening long before 2023. 

Pope Leo XIV has supported Palestinians and peace in the Holy Land. In September, as reported by Vatican News, he expressed “deepest sympathy to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who continue to live in fear and to survive in unacceptable conditions, forced — once again — from their lands.” 

Dr. Ali Khan, a Muslim doctor in Little Rock who received a Catholic education in Pakistan, moderated the discussion with Mother Agapia and told Arkansas Catholic her message on “shared humanity” struck him most.

“I think people view Palestine as factions and as different people, but clearly she’s speaking from a human experience. Not from a Muslim experience, not necessarily even from a Christian experience, but she shows the shared humanity of the people who are occupied and oppressed,” Khan said. 

Dr. George Simon, a parishioner of Christ the King Church in Little Rock and a founder of the Catholic peace and social justice group chapter Pax Christi Little Rock, said he was inspired by her message to continue praying and educating people, especially those who are misinformed.

“You have to bring yourself in love. That’s the mission. Jesus was trying to tell us that’s what we have to do. We have to find a way,” Simon said. “We can’t give up, we can’t just say, ‘OK, you’re crazy, I’m out of here.’ That was the most important part of her message. I’m not going to give up.” 

A YouTube video of Mother Agapia’s discussion was posted to the Pax Christi Little Rock Facebook page.  

A steady stream of honks hung in the air Oct. 2 as cars drove down North University Avenue in Little Rock during rush hour. 

The sounds were not made in annoyance over traffic, but in support of signs like “Pray for peace, work for justice” and “Honk if you want your country back!” held by roughly 50 members of Pax Christi Little Rock and other social justice advocates in Central Arkansas. They were gathered near Rep. French Hill’s office for the 32nd week in a row to promote peaceful resolutions to government policies not morally in line with Catholic social teaching.

On Oct. 16, the 35th week of demonstrations was held.

“Even though we’re upset with several of the policies Congressman Hill is backing, we do not consider this a political action. It’s rooted in disagreements with policy, and we see it as a moral action,” said Pax Christi USA chairwoman, Dr. Sherry Simon. 

The member of Christ the King Church in Little Rock founded Pax Christi Little Rock and was organizing and attending the demonstrations as a member of the chapter. 

“All sorts of people have shown up to demonstrate with us,” she said. “We are not backing a candidate or a party. We’re discussing the policies in some part based on whether they support or go against Catholic social teaching. We encourage all people to come together — Republicans, Democrats — to speak out against all aspects of the administration’s agenda that do not respect the dignity of the human person.” 

How it started

Rep. Hill, who has served in Arkansas’ second congressional district since 2015, is a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew Church in Little Rock. He has supported President Donald Trump’s agendas regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, rescinding financial support to aid agencies across the globe and is an opponent of gun control measures.

He voted in favor of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops spoke out against July 3 stating in part, “The final version of the bill includes unconscionable cuts to health care and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, immigration provisions that harm families and children and cuts to programs that protect God’s creation. The bill, as passed, will cause the greatest harm to those who are especially vulnerable in our society.” 

Simon said her friend, Caroline Stevenson, a 90-year-old social justice advocate who attends St. Michael Episcopal Church in Little Rock, posed the idea of protesting in front of Rep. Hill’s office in early 2025.

“All I wanted to do is have a demonstration in front of his office one time, and it has become a weekly thing,” Stevenson said. 

The first demonstration took place in February. They have held demonstrations in the mornings and afternoons every Thursday, but due to construction in their usual spot on University Avenue, they have relocated to the busy corner of Markham and University in front of Chipotle. The protests have averaged about 20 people in the morning and 40 people in the afternoons. Simon said they plan to continue only with the afternoon protests for now in the new location.

While there are several demonstrators with more pointed political messages, Pax Christi Catholics focus on moral issues with the administration and policies that are in conflict with Catholic social teachings.

“Initially, we were asking for a town hall. We just wanted Congressman Hill to talk to us,” Simon said, explaining Rep. Hill holds phone call town halls, with his staff screening who gets to speak. “We’re not people who will cause a big scene. We truly wanted to have a civil discussion, a straightforward, peaceable conversation where perhaps he can help us understand why he isn’t standing up more strongly to some of the issues put forward by this administration.” 

The group has emailed and delivered messages to Rep. Hill via his staff, who have “been quite receptive,” Simon said. He is in Washington, D.C., on Thursdays, as it’s a regular session day for Congress. 

The irony is not lost on the Catholic demonstrators protesting policies supported by a Catholic congressman. It gives them hope. 

“That’s probably the very core of why we’re there, to remind him as a Catholic to use his conscience and stand up for those in our country and in our world who do not have a voice,” Simon said. “It all boils down to respecting the dignity of every human person. You can look at any of these issues and determine, rather quickly, whether the dignity of people is being respected or not. Often, it has been the cruel and inhumane way that policies have been implemented that is of most concern.”

Demonstrators have received form letters, pre-written messages tailored to the topic, from Rep. Hill. He has not met or spoken with them personally.

Rep. Hill’s staff did not respond to repeated requests from Arkansas Catholic for comment. 

Promoting Catholic teaching

Undeterred by the high 80-degree temperature and the beating sun in early October, protesters, ranging in ages from 50s to 90s, smiled and waved to passersby, marking their nine months of continuous weekly protests that have evolved into more than just Rep. Hill’s voting record. 

“The people who gather here to protest are intelligent, informed, caring people who are concerned that their country’s values are changing under this administration and that it will be a far worse place to live for their children and grandchildren,” Simon said. 

Don Streit, a parishioner at Immaculate Conception Church in North Little Rock who has been attending the demonstrations for about three months, said many of these issues arose in the 1970s.

“When people don’t recognize the value of another race or gender, it becomes us versus them. It breeds war, it breeds prejudice,” Streit said. 

Holding a sign stating “Immigrants & Refugees Welcome” with an image of a pregnant Virgin Mary on a donkey next to Joseph, Al Adams, who attends St. Bartholomew Church in Little Rock, said he wants to combine his faith with his political activity.

“I feel very strongly the worldview being put forward by the current administration is not consistent with the Jesus Christ that I think I know,” he said. “I want to try to encourage a more general view about what pro-life is, a seamless garment. Certainly, fetal life is important, but there are other pro-life issues French Hill could be addressing, like immigration. They promised us a comprehensive immigration reform. It hasn’t happened, and people are suffering. The majority of Americans prefer some sort of gun control to lessen gun violence, and that majority is not carrying the day now. He can do something about that.”

Cathedral of St. Andrew parishioner Karen DiPippa, retired director of Catholic Charities Medical Clinic, held up a sign stating, “Enough Lies.” 

“In health care, they’re gaining support by misinformation, stating that the Democrats want to let undocumented people have health care, and people feel that takes money away from them. But the actuality of it is it’s federal law, passed by Republican President Ronald Reagan, to treat anyone in the emergency room,” she said, adding she’s a registered independent voter who has demonstrated since the early weeks of the protests. Undocumented immigrants pay both income and federal payroll taxes, which helps fund Medicare, but they are not eligible to benefit from it. 

“You either believe what we (Catholics) are taught or you don’t,” DiPippa added. 

Simon said she has had many fruitful conversations with non-Catholic protesters to share Church teaching. Sherry and John Joyce, members of Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Little Rock, said they have a Pax Christi Little Rock sign in their yard and have been dedicated demonstrators for months despite health issues.

“I coded last year. I was almost dead, and they brought me back. … There’s a reason I’m here, and this is one of them,” John said of the demonstration, holding a sign saying “You are not alone.” 

Gary Wheeler, a member of St. Michael Episcopal Church in Little Rock, is working on a plaque to give to Rep. Hill with a quote from Pope Leo XIII, stating: “I would like to urge you this morning to continue to work for a world where power is contained by conscience, and law is at the service of human dignity.” 

“I actually believe, like many of the congressmen, that French Hill has got some very strong moral principles. I’ve had conversations with him from time to time, and I really feel like if he had a little extra push, he might be able to oppose some of the things going through Congress right now that are really bad for people,” he said. “I worry he’s been in an enabling mode right now. I thought what Pope Leo had to say was very strong. I just want him to remember that every day.”

Demonstrators have occasionally faced hostility, including a man squirting them with a toy gun out of his car window. But those incidents are rare. 

“I don’t think we do any good in trying to battle negativity with negativity,” Stevenson said.

Simon and Stevenson said others are welcome to join the demonstrations, start their own peaceful protests or help someone negatively impacted by current political policies.

Catholics interested in getting involved with the protest or Pax Christi Little Rock can email President Mary Hunt at paxchristilr@gmail.com, visit paxchristilittlerock.org or on Facebook.

When Jennifer Hartman first agreed to teach religious education last year to the six kindergarteners at her small parish, St. Mary Church in Saint Vincent, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“Getting to teach little kids about Jesus and about being Catholic, I feel like that was very eye-opening. I had never done anything like that before,” the 19-year-old said. “It made me realize it’s important to do. You’ve got to start somewhere, and the kindergarteners of our parish are going to be our future. If we don’t invest in them, it’s not going to be much of a parish.”

Staying connected to her parish home in Conway County for the past five years is the cornerstone of Hartman’s faith. If there’s a volunteer opportunity, she’s there, from parish life events to serving at a Knights of Columbus dinner.

“I truly do love St. Mary’s. It feels like family. My parents (Patrick and Katie Hartman) have done a great job with me and my sisters, telling us what’s important. We need to serve our church because that’s the most important thing,” she said.

A junior at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Hartman had enough credits to skip a year in college in pursuit of being a physician’s assistant one day. Hartman said she has enjoyed attending Catholic Campus Ministry Mass and surrounding herself with like-minded students. But no matter where she goes, her servant’s heart is tethered to her parish. One of the ministries closest to her heart is serving as an Eucharistic minister.

“I do love being able to participate in the Mass. I’m not a public speaker, so I knew lectoring was not going to be for me,” Hartman said. “Being able to give back and be a part of Mass is really special.”

Graydon Carter admits his interests vary from thrifting to writing to singing in the Conway Men’s Chorus, but his life revolves around liturgical living. After attending the Eucharistic Congress last summer, everything changed.

“I’ve been a daily communicant,” and his motivations stem from devotion to the Eucharist, the 28-year-old said.

Carter served the unhoused community for three years as the operations coordinator at the nonprofit Conway Ministry Center (CMC). A member of St. Joseph Church in Conway, Carter is the parish’s Volunteer Day coordinator (a project of Missions Outreach), a lector and cantor.

“I learned about parish volunteer day because of my work at the Conway Ministry Center,” Carter said. “It was their faith in action that led me back into regular attendance at Mass.”

Volunteer Day is a day for parishioners to volunteer together. This year, on March 8, they almost doubled the number of participants, with more than 260 people working in the community.

After leaving the nonprofit last year, Carter was inspired when a friend and fellow parishioner, Osmar Garcia, said he thought Carter was “meant” to work for the Church.

“A week and a half later, they (the Diocese of Little Rock) posted the maintenance job I wound up taking,” he said.

In July, Carter transitioned to being the diocese’s associate director of stewardship and development. He handles data and event work, including assisting with the Taste of Faith fundraiser. He also recorded more than 20 podcasts on apostolic zeal for the Faith Formation Office. 

Carter said spending time at church has helped spiritually ground him.

“I’d sit, not just in the chapel or adoration, but in the main church in front of the tabernacle or in the grotto in the cemetery. … Go to church just not for Mass, but when you’re questioning, confused or wondering, take those questions to the Lord,” he said.

What religious or social issues would you like Pope Leo to address?

“Immigration in particular; Just starting with the Syrian refugee crisis in the last decade and now with the self-imposed crisis on the Southern border, there’s a lot of people seeking the Church’s wisdom on how to treat the stranger, refugees or immigrants. I think especially people are listening, and I think the Church has a lot of opportunity to speak truth into the world and help people form holistic opinions about an issue that actually looks at people instead of politics. The Church has a particularly good vantage point on doing so.”

It was the final seconds of a tied summertime exhibition basketball game last year for the Knights of Sacred Heart School in Morrilton against their rival, the Daredevils of Wonderview High School in Hattieville, and Luke Paladino had the ball. 

The 18-year-old senior did what he always does — he made an unforgettable impact. 

“They passed me the ball, and I went to the hoop and put it in. It was pretty awesome. It means a lot. It was great. We can always hold it over their heads that we beat them at least once,” he said. “Even if it wasn’t in-season, it still counted to us.”

Whether scoring the game-winning point, cleaning up after school dances or staying late to help his teachers, Paladino is a leader who always gives back to the school he’s attended since kindergarten. 

“I’ve always been taught to give back; to give of yourself to others. I really believe in that. I find myself doing that. I give back to others,” he said. “… Jesus died for our sins, the least we can do is give a little to others and show what he did for us.” 

Paladino, the second oldest of four children to Justin and Nichole Paladino, earned a 3.87 GPA. He was involved in several sports and activities at Sacred Heart, including golf, basketball, baseball, the trap team, Beta Club and Key Club. In basketball and baseball, he earned all-conference this year, and in basketball, he was selected ninth in all-state. Paladino is active in CYM and altar serving for the parish.

“Key Club is definitely my favorite. We work with disabled, special kids in Morrilton through Action Services. We put on two events every year: a fishing derby and a spring festival. We dance with them, and all sorts of fun stuff and get to know them,” Paladino said. “There’s a guy, one of our clients, named Kyle. I’ve fished with him, I love Kyle. He’s just like me, he’s very social.” 

Paladino said his graduating class is a close bunch with just 12 students. 

“My class is what’s good about a little school. We all get along really good, and there’s not really outcasts. We have our good days and bad. We’re always popping jokes; even outside of school we hang out,” he said. “I’ll definitely miss the kids and how close everyone is here. I’m a senior and I could be buddies with a seventh or eighth grader. We’re all around each other constantly.” 

Paladino will enter the nursing program at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. After a required year of working in an intensive care unit, he’ll apply to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). 

In reflecting on his time at Sacred Heart School, Paladino said honesty is the lesson he’ll carry into his future. 

“Sacred Heart has taught me a lot. The teachers were great. One of my English teachers is basically my second mom,” he said. “It’s taught me all kinds of good qualities. Honesty is something I’ll always carry with me. I believe it can get you through life. It’s a really sheltered, cultured atmosphere. I guess the big world is coming for me.” 

Emma Allison walked into Search #152, a Diocese of Little Rock youth retreat, filled with anger and sadness. 

“When I was younger, I thought when something bad happened to me, I was being punished by God. In talking with the youth, I feel like it’s a common thing,” the 18-year-old admitted. 

At the time, her brother was convicted for his participation in a shootout and was serving a prison sentence. Her 2-year-old nephew, Bryson, lived with them most days. 

At Search in 2023, the St. Joseph School senior in Conway took steps toward understanding God’s love. It didn’t mean the suffering ended — she soon dealt with the deaths of her great-grandfather and a best friend. But Allison continued forward in Christ, becoming involved in Search leadership, a member of the Youth Advisory Council and Catholic Youth Ministry at St. Joseph.  

“(At Search) I went to reconciliation with Father Jeff Hebert … and it was one of the best I’ve ever had in my life. He knew everything so personally, he could sit there and pray with me and really pinpoint what God was trying to tell me,” she said. “And then, after going to adoration and being in front of Jesus was such a moving and heartwarming moment. It was definitely like I could breathe and at least have a sense of relaxation because I was so tense and always on edge. It almost felt freeing.” 

Her foundation of faith began at home as a daughter to parents Chris and Jalisa Allison. 

“I would say my parents have always been great representatives of the faith,” she said. “My dad converted in 2012, and my mom has been the rock in my faith. She’s always been strong in her faith and seeing her be joyful because of her relationship with the Lord always made me curious about it.” 

Allison, who earned a 4.16 GPA, attended public school until her freshman year at St. Joseph. She was involved in bowling, soccer, Interact Club, vice president of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America and senior class secretary. Allison earned Most Improved Player and Most Valuable Player for bowling at the senior awards ceremony. 

“I put a lot of effort into practicing and trying to correct my form and listening to all the tips my coach gave me,” she said, making time for extra practice each month. 

She said she loves helping friends and others get more involved in their faith.

“A lot of kids nowadays don’t find it fun to talk about their faith. Being an example of living the faith and going to youth ministry is fun and glorifies the Lord,” she said. “… I want to be that person to somebody that my youth ministers were to me.” 

Allison will attend the University of Dallas and double major in Spanish and theology. She hopes to work as a youth minister in Arkansas and eventually as the diocesan youth ministry director.

“Switching from public school to a Catholic private school was tremendously impactful because I got to actually talk about my faith and was never looked down upon for being Catholic,” she said. “I just automatically clicked, and it was a family at St. Joseph.”

On stage at the Rialto Community Arts Center in Morrilton May 22, two different Gospel messages were conveyed to a crowd of Catholics and non-Catholics — one of condemnation and exclusivity, the other of mercy and teaching. 

The two-hour moderated debate with the theme, “Is the Roman Catholic Church a Gospel-Denying Church,” was organized between Father Stephen Hart, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Morrilton and St. Elizabeth Church in Oppelo, and Rev. Allen S. Nelson IV, pastor of Providence Baptist Church in Perryville. About 375 people attended the sold-out, free debate, with Father Hart estimating more than 160 Catholics present. 

Father Hart proposed the debate after Nelson posted inflammatory comments about Catholicism on Facebook. Nelson was tasked with proving the Church was Gospel-denying. He shared common anti-Catholic misconceptions, claiming Catholics are paganists, worshipping “a wafer” when referring to the Eucharist.

 

Controversial post 

As the world mourned Pope Francis’ death April 21, Nelson posted on his personal Facebook page his hatred for Roman Catholicism, stating in part, “(Pope Francis) died as a Gospel denier and false teacher both complicit and an instigator in deceiving billions of people around the world. He will be in hell for all eternity. The office of the pope is antichrist.” 

The post was shared with Father Hart, who told Arkansas Catholic, “I then had an image of a debate at the Rialto Community Arts Center here in Morrilton, and I could not shake the image.” 

After consulting with parish leadership, the diocesan legal counsel and Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, Father Hart invited Nelson April 23 to a “charitable, respectful and on-task” moderated debate. 

The two pastors did not know each other previously. 

“There is so much disinformation about Catholic teaching here in Arkansas. My hope is that this event is an opportunity for locals to learn and correct any unjust bias they may have,” Father Hart said. “Additionally, the post-COVID era is ripe for good things. People are hungry and searching. My hope is that the Lord may use this labor to reap a bountiful harvest.” 

Sacred Heart parishioners held a holy hour before the debate. Sacred Heart Deacon Dr. Peter Post said, “I think it’s important to respond to your critics because Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen said something like people seem to hate Catholicism, but if they knew what the Catholic Church taught, they would not hate it; they’d love it. It’s misunderstood.” 

 

Different interpretations

The two debate participants and moderator agreed to clearly outlined rules. Private security and law enforcement from Conway County and Morrilton were present. 

Both pastors, at points, quoted John 14:6, in part, where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” But each had different interpretations of living out that reality in Christ. Nelson often claimed his own interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing he was not beholden to Martin Luther or other Protestant reformers, while Father Hart relied on the Bible, catechism and authority of the Church. 

Nelson opened the debate, his voice rising throughout his 14 minutes, spouting off Bible verses, condemning Rome and emphasizing the “punishment of hell” for those who don’t follow God’s perfect law. 

While the interpretation of the Gospels was different, so was the delivery. 

Father Hart, whose opening remarks lasted more than 11 minutes, kept a consistent and calm tone, opening his initial comments with the sign of the cross and the phrase, “Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever.” He explained Nelson’s history of attacking the Catholic Church, the falsehoods he espoused and his misunderstanding of Catholic teaching, from honoring Mary and the saints to the teaching authority in Rome. 

Father Hart discussed the split of Martin Luther and frequently referenced Calvinism, a sector of reformed Protestantism emphasizing God’s sovereignty and predestination based on the teachings of John Calvin. 

Much of the debate focused on salvation and the different interpretations of justification. In Baptist theology, justification means a person is righteous by being covered in the merits of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection alone. They consider this extrinsic or forensic righteousness. 

In Catholic theology, justification is God making a sinner righteous through the forgiveness of sins and renewal, by God’s grace and the human response of free will cooperating with grace. This journey begins with baptism and continues throughout a person’s life as they follow Christ through the sacraments and Catholic social teachings, which emphasize caring for one another and God’s creation. It is intrinsic righteousness, which means an internal transformation by God’s grace. 

Father Hart explained, “He grants forgiveness of sins by his passion and new life by his resurrection, not simply by covering us, but actually restoring our state of grace. In the Catholic view, human nature is not covered over, but transformed by grace. We are not piles of dung covered by the snow of God’s righteousness. Christ’s grace transforms us and makes us ourselves righteous before the Father.” 

“Works” regarding salvation were also discussed, with Father Hart emphasizing Nelson’s misunderstanding of St. Paul’s speaking of works in Romans 3:28. This passage refers to the works of the Mosaic law, not the works of love Jesus commanded. Father Hart referenced Matthew 25, “I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink,” explaining God’s requirement of both faith and “persevering in love.” 

Nelson often addressed Catholics in the crowd with condemnation, saying, “If you’re trusting in the made-up, man-made system that Rome has built, and by the way codified in 1546, you have no hope of Christ.” 

The loudest reaction was in Nelson’s closing remarks when he referred to the Catholic Church as a “demonically influenced system.” Father Hart motioned to the crowd for calm, and the boos quickly diminished. 

 

Making assumptions

Father Hart addressed the non-Catholics once in his closing remarks, saying, “I ask: when it comes to Catholic things, have the humility to ask questions instead of making assumptions.” He also called on the Catholics to have more conviction in their own faith and be willing to educate. He invited Nelson to “break bread” with one friend each, and they met again May 24. 

Several people lined up to ask faith-based questions at the end of the debate. 

Clay Beggs, formerly a Protestant who joined Sacred Heart Church at Easter last year, said Nelson’s comments were derogatory. 

“Father Hart never once took a shot at Protestants like that. Never have I been to a Catholic Mass where a priest, or anyone for that matter, would degrade other religions like that. I found it offensive and distasteful honestly,” Beggs said. “Just like (Father Hart) said, you can’t understand trigonometry or calculus before adding and subtracting. It’s the same with the Gospels and the faith we have. Our faith goes a lot further than what the Gospels actually say. The Catholic faith has the foundation and the education that we can take it farther. Rev. Nelson said, ‘I’m just a simple man from south of the river.’ That’s a cop out. You either come to the debate knowing what you’re talking about or fall on that sword.” 

Joshua McKinney, minister of Legacy Baptist Church in Bella Vista, said, “I’m so appreciative of the debate because it helps people to think intentionally, on both sides. And what I think, when the dust settles from the conversations, what I’m hoping is just the comments from Pastor Allen and Pastor Hart, that people are considering Christ.” 

Colleen Hoelzeman, a parishioner and teacher at Sacred Heart Church and School, said she liked hearing both perspectives.

“You have to understand that maybe their perspective is different from yours. They may not be as informed about your faith, so you’ve got to be able to be willing to teach that,” she said. 

A video of the debate will be uploaded to Ark of Heaven Media Group’s YouTube channel May 31.

It’s exhausting just listening to Father Gilbert Tairo’s weekly schedule. 

As pastor of four parishes in the Arkansas Delta, Father Tairo, CSSp, celebrates 12 Masses each week, plus overseeing a school, administrative office hours, ministering in the state and federal prisons and parish activities. 

This doesn’t include celebrating sacraments like confession, weddings and baptisms, or managing the unexpected like sick calls and funerals.

He can travel more than 300 miles weekly. 

“The driving is what wears us out,” Father Tairo admits. “You feel you’re worn out, but when you arrive there, the joy we get is the people there. They say, ‘Our priest is here.’ That’s the thing that gives us joy and courage because they appreciate what we are doing for them. They need Jesus.” 

In recent years, the responsibilities of priests and religious have increased as vocations have decreased nationwide. 

Becoming overwhelmed is a reality. 

“It’s a risk. Especially for a missionary diocese. You might find yourself responsible for three or more parishes, driving for hours on end. I’d say it’s a pretty high risk for burnout,” said Father Jeff Hebert, diocesan vocations director. “But I’m given a lot of hope that the Church has recognized that over the last several decades. We’re much more intentional about saying taking a day off is not selfish; it’s a rule.” 

In the Diocese of Little Rock, priests and religious find ways to balance their vocations through time away, leisure and support from each other. 

Balanced prayer life 

Father Hebert said every Catholic can look at the start of life to understand God’s plan for a proper life balance. 

“It’s the story of creation — six days of creation; on the seventh day the Lord rested,” he said.  “Later, when Jesus was being challenged on sabbath rules and law, he said, ‘The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.’ God made this day of rest for you because your human nature needs rest. You need it. You need to be recreated. That’s where the word recreation actually comes from — you’re being recreated so you can begin a new week.” 

Canon Law 283.2 discusses the need for priests to take time off, stating: “They are entitled, however, to a fitting and sufficient time of vacation each year as determined by universal or particular law.” 

Father Jerome Kodell, OSB, 85, a monk at Subiaco Abbey, said a solid, daily prayer life should be a priority.

“I certainly think the first thing that happens when people get out of the seminary is everyone wants them to do everything. In the seminary, things were pretty well taken care of. You were helped, watched and kept a prayer life going,” Father Kodell said. “If that isn’t internalized, it could be you become the magnet for all kinds of people’s jobs and you lose that center. Then you have to recover.” 

Mother Mary Clare Bezner, 49, has been prioress of Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro for three years and an Olivetan Benedictine religious sister for 19 years. The primary vocation of their 22 sisters is prayer and the mission of St. Bernards Healthcare, founded by the congregation 125 years ago. 

As prioress, her days consist of office hours, individual meetings with the sisters, hospital board and committee meetings, administration, finance, daily responsibilities of running a convent and recreation time each evening, all surrounding the six scheduled group prayer times. This doesn’t include personal prayer. 

“You are going back to God consistently throughout the day, so it’s a balance of work and prayer,” she said. “… Our first work is to pray for the world. That’s a full-time job; people don’t realize that. It can be tough for each of us to show up and do that with a fullness of heart. If you’ve ever been on a long retreat, you have to take breaks. Just imagine 20 years into that. It is a pleasure, it is our calling, but it’s not necessarily easy. Just like marriage and all the vocations are hard, this is work.” 

In addition to prayer, Father Hebert encourages the 22 diocesan seminarians to find leisure activities that bring them life.

“I’m an introvert. I love breakfast. On my days off, I usually go out to a local restaurant for a nice breakfast. That’s a simple thing, but my treat for the day. When the weather is nicer, I enjoy fishing,” he said. “… In the winter months, it’s more reading, and I like watching movies too. I go back to basic spiritual books.”

Busy and joyful 

Father Brian Cundall, 30, was ordained a priest in 2021. After a year as an associate priest at St. Joseph Church in Conway, he moved to Fort Smith to lead Christ the King Church and School. About 500 families are registered at the parish, and over 300 students attend the school. 

“Very,” he said, laughing hard at how challenging it is to pastor a church and school. “I try to keep that perspective that everyone has challenges, and good and bad they deal with. It can be a challenge, but that’s what the Lord is for.” 

After starting his morning with an hour of prayer, Father Cundall will go to the parish office and school. He rests midday to prepare for evening meetings and Mass. 

“If I don’t take a couple hours for lunch to recharge, I’d be dead in the evening,” he said. 

Leaning on lay experts around him to help with big projects, like a capital campaign, and reaching out to his more experienced brother priests for support makes a difference. 

“At the times I feel like everything is on fire, after talking to Father John Connell (pastor in Conway), he’ll give me a little of that perspective of, ‘It’s not that bad, it’s OK, here are some things to do,’” Father Cundall said. “I think it’s realizing you’re not alone, and there’s a community of people to lean on.” 

Father Tairo, 49, admitted he’s been busy since he became a Spiritan with the Congregation of the Holy Spirit 21 years ago in his native Tanzania. He’s been a priest for 15 years and came to Arkansas in 2015.

He finds time for relaxation on Mondays.

“I love soccer. I always have to watch on Mondays. I have to watch the soccer games from the weekend on YouTube,” he said. 

Resources for a balanced life 

Religious and lay Catholics pointed to a variety of resources and examples as their go-tos to restore life balance: 

• Saint: St. Teresa of Kolkata prayed daily, but it is now known that she experienced a 50-year dryness in prayer, often praying, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” “She was extremely busy and always took time to pray. We found out later on after she died, her prayer was very dry. But she realized faithfulness to prayer was essential to what she was doing.” — Father Jerome Kodell, OSB, monk at Subiaco Abbey 
• Book: “Introduction to the Devout Life,” St. Francis de Sales; He explained how everyone can cultivate a relationship with God “according to who you are,” living authentically in their life’s vocation. — Father Jeff Hebert, diocesan vocations director 
• Podcasts: “Restore the Glory,” by Catholic therapists Dr. Bob Schuchts and Jake Khym, MA; “Interior Integration for Catholics,” by Dr. Peter T. Malinoski; “Abiding Together,” by Sister Miriam Michelle Benzinger and Heather Khym — Mother Mary Clare Bezner, prioress of Holy Angels Convent
• Book: “Still Amidst the Storm: A Family Man’s Search for Peace in an Anxious World” by Conor Callagher; “It’s a very, very simple book … He has 13 kids and acknowledges in the book he has diagnosed anxiety disorder. It’s about learning to live in the present moment.” — Deacon Jason Pohlmeier, principal of St. Joseph School in Fayetteville
• Song: “Slow Down” by Forrest Frank; Key lyrics, “I just wanna slow down my heart / Walk at the pace of the breeze / I just wanna slow down my mind / To rest like a bird in the trees.” — Deacon Jason Pohlmeier 
• Programs: Ignatian spiritual exercises (Retreat in Daily Life); the Called & Gifted Discernment Process by the Catherine of Sienna Institute. — Christy Trantina, adult faith formation director at St. Joseph Church in Conway 

CORRECTION: The original publication of this article misspelled Father Gilbert Tairo’s name as Tario. This online version has been corrected.

For the past 10 years, Christy Trantina, adult faith formation director of St. Joseph Church in Conway, has loved her job. She enjoyed using her spiritual gifts, like administration and teaching, to help those around her increase their faith. 

It was where God wanted her to be — until it wasn’t. 

Last year, she felt a “slow heaviness building.” After a year of spiritual discernment, Trantina announced she would leave her job in April. 

“I don’t like to use the word burnout. But I keep telling people I lost my fire. I think that’s the textbook definition of burnout,” she said. “Part of me was trying to discern is this burnout or the Lord saying is it time to move to the next thing?” 

Trantina learned it can be both. 

Anyone is susceptible to having their life balance get out of whack and burnout even if they love what they do, whether it’s a highly demanding job or juggling a packed schedule in retirement. 

According to the 2024 American Psychological Association’s annual Work in America survey, one in three workers said they did not have enough work flexibility to maintain a proper work/personal life balance. The survey also stated that 67 percent of workers reported experiencing at least one symptom of workplace burnout, like low energy or lack of motivation, within a month. 

Lay Catholics in Arkansas shared stories of handling burnout and ways they’ve turned to their spirituality for help or, sometimes, to walk away. 

Support and silence

Lindsey Stehle, 30, couldn’t hold back her tears when describing her move from her first education job in public schools to being a kindergarten teacher at St. Theresa School in Little Rock. 

“Moving from public school to Catholic school I can say definitely has increased my faith. I feel this is where God wants me,” she said. “I experienced hurt in the public school.”

Stehle worked as a paraprofessional and helped substitute teach. 

“I feel like I wasn’t compensated fairly. I definitely had a lower self-esteem. I feel like I watched my bank account all the time, making sure I could be able to pay my bills and not have to ask for help,” she said. 

Stehle, a parishioner at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, admits a Catholic school isn’t a cure-all for experiencing burnout, as teaching will always be a demanding job. According to a Pew Research Center survey released in April, 77 percent of teachers in the United States said their job was frequently stressful, and 68 percent called it “overwhelming.”

“I feel like we do a lot in such a little time span,” she said. “Everything from teaching to discipline to reinforcing the faith.” 

She explained that the difference is being able to talk openly with fellow teachers for support, making time for prayer and knowing she could say no to more responsibility if needed. 

“It means the world,” she said, having a supportive work environment. “I do feel appreciated here. I feel welcomed. I feel like the Holy Spirit worked his magic. I prayed for this job for a good while.” 

Deacon Jason Pohlmeier has been principal at St. Joseph School for 11 years and a deacon since 2022. Those responsibilities are balanced with his family life as a husband and father to seven children, ages 3 to 18. 

As a first-time principal 16 years ago, he received advice from principal Jan Cash, who spent 45 years as a teacher and later principal at Our Lady of Fatima School in Benton before she died in 2022.  

“She said, ‘Here’s my piece of advice: pick a time on the clock and go home. The work will never be finished. If you try to be finished, you’ll never be finished and never go home,’” Pohlmeier said. “I’ve taken that to heart, and I’ve done that.” 

It’s a tough balance for teachers who typically plan lessons and grades after hours because the day is too full of other responsibilities. When stress levels are high for his staff, he’ll cancel a meeting or suggest meeting up for dinner as a team. 

“I think the biggest thing that contributes to teacher burnout today is we live in a world where we always have to be on-call all the time. There’s pressure to give your cell phone to parents to text you, which I tell teachers not to do,” he said. “I do not check email at home. I disable notifications on my phone. I encourage teachers to do that. There’s this feeling of constantly being on-call, available around the clock when they need something and you have to actively work against that. … I’ve had some teachers who left the school because of that struggle throughout the years. I think everybody feels it, as far as burnout goes.”

For himself, balancing his family, faith and work means getting out in nature. His family are avid hikers, but he takes personal days to hike by himself. 

“There’s a long history in the Church about silence and what silence really means. It’s something more than a lack of sound. There is a description in Scripture about the Holy Spirit as the ‘breath of God,’ translated as spirit. Silence is about experiencing the breath of God that lies behind everything that happens,” he said. “Hiking in the woods by yourself for several hours is a mini-retreat. I’ll realize I have not said a word for eight hours. The only sounds are wind, water, animals and crunching sticks.”

Closing a door 

Trantina, married with three adult children and one grandchild, will quickly admit she has “loved every day” of the job she is now leaving. From the start, she set boundaries that she’d work 40 hours a week. If a faith formation event fell on the weekend, she’d take off or adjust her hours during the week. 

“I am a wife and a mother first. That’s my primary vocation,” she said. “My job at St. Joseph is what I do. But it’s not my primary identity. My job had to come second. I’m so thankful to my leaders at the parish who have always agreed with that. I don’t remember what pastor it was in the past, but I remember they’d say, ‘If your family stuff is not in proper order at home, you’re not an effective employee here.’” 

About a year ago, Trantina was still happy but could “feel a shift in my spirit” and mentioned it during her employee evaluation. Then came the work of discernment with a spiritual director, a Catholic layperson or a religious, who has gone through training to help others grow in intimacy with Christ and listen for his voice.

“One of the things that has dawned on me is working in ministry is a season, not a career. I had a full career before I came here. This has been a beautiful season for me,” she said. “Sometimes people do mistake burnout for the Lord moving you. Or does the Lord use burnout to move people? You might feel it’s burnout, but it might be the Lord saying, ‘We’re done here.’ This chapter of the book of my life is over, and it’s time to write a new chapter.” 

While God created us to live an abundant life, it has to come with balance. And just like walking away from something can be restorative, the spirit can also lead someone to say no, even to something good, explained Father Jeff Hebert, diocesan vocations director. 

“No is a complete sentence. No is not actually a bad thing for a Christian to say. If you’re being invited to participate in a ministry or offer your service in ministry, no is a legitimate answer. Guilt usually gets people in trouble. Sometimes, priests make it hard to say no. I want everyone to know that’s not fair,” he said. “If you want to make God part of that decision, you have to really be honest with yourself, ‘What is it you want? What are my responsibilities?’ You can’t sacrifice responsibilities to your family to take care of the parish.” 

Trantina said that anyone feeling burned out and confused about their next steps should take it to the Lord in prayer and with a spiritual director.

“I think that’s one of those things we’re not meant to do on our own. I think it does take an outside perspective. Either a solid prayer group, pastor, someone to journey with them and help them arrive at the tough decision,” she said. 

Father Jerome Kodell, 85, OSB, a monk and former abbot of Subiaco Abbey, has led retreats for lay Catholics and religious for many years. He’s seen everyone from priests to seminarians and career-driven or retired lay Catholics get overwhelmed or “burned out” by the stresses of life, hoping for a chance to rebalance. God gave us a divine order for our various vocations in life, with our first priority being a relationship with him. 

“People get overwhelmed if they don’t have a clear understanding of priorities. They don’t have a way to distinguish what’s their commitment and what isn’t,” he said. “Personal prayer with God — that should be your number one priority. If they can’t set that, you don’t know where things fit. If you don’t know where things fit, there’s no priority. If something comes up, your life is kind of like a roller coaster. I think a lot of it is a matter of setting priorities.” 

To maintain a proper life balance, it’s imperative to understand the signs of burnout and ways to prevent it, through prayer and self-care.

What is burnout? 

Drs. George and Sherry Simon, parishioners at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, have practiced psychology for more than 40 years and are now primarily retired. 

The couple said a few common things can cause burnout. One is the inability to manage work and home responsibilities, causing one or the other to be unsuccessful.

Another well-agreed-upon theory is that “burnout is ultimately about resentment,” George said. 

“It might be sacrificed time with family, a passion or favorite hobby. Whatever they’ve given up as a result of being overly invested in their work or work situation is going to tell the source of burnout,” he said. For example, if a work environment pressures an employee to miss a family vacation or work late most days, that can lead to detachment and dissatisfaction. 

“People who tend to invest too much in their work can have a low self-esteem and low-confidence. They put so much of themselves into it, it’s like a constant treadmill. It never feels like it’s enough. It pushes people too hard to work, and our culture pushes it,” Sherry said. 

An overly driven personality and even pushing too hard to check off all the boxes of our Catholic faith without a deeper meaning can lead to burnout. 

“We’re supposed to put our love of God before all else. When we get in that horrible pattern of burnout and feel guilty all the time, it’s so easy to lose sight of our faith and where is God in all of this,” Sherry said. “We tend to not turn to God to get out of it. We turn to ourselves. As Catholics, we lose sight of our faith.” 

The Simons are clear, however, that burnout is not a medical diagnosis, but its symptoms can mirror mental diagnoses like depression. 

“The big difference between burnout and depression is when you stop and pull back from work and set boundaries, burnout symptoms go away. If you don’t do that, it can turn into depression,” Sherry said.  

Burnout isn’t always associated with a career. Father Kodell said he’s seen it often with new grandparents. 

“A lot of times, they haven’t been ready to take on all the responsibilities of grandchildren. They don’t know how to say no, and the adult children find their parents are very handy babysitters,” he said. “They can get overwhelmed with that. Sometimes, they do that at the expense of their own health.”

Take it to prayer

Jesus modeled how to live our lives, with prayer and rest as a cornerstone of his earthly ministry. His commitment to boundaries is a roadmap for lay people to recognize and prevent burnout by properly balancing their lives. 

Father Kodell pointed to Mark 1:35-38, where Jesus went to a deserted place to pray. Peter and others found him, saying, “Everyone is looking for you.” 

Jesus instructed everyone to leave Capernaum and “go on to the nearby villages.” 

Father Kodell explained Jesus was not dictated by the pressure of others to stay. 

“He realized it was impossible for him to do his ministry without being in touch with his Father,” he said. “… We don’t know his whole system, but he made time for prayer. We tend to want something to happen when we pray. Everything is going to settle, or we’re going to feel God’s presence. We’re on God’s schedule; he’s not on our ours.” 

If a person does not have a daily, consistent prayer routine, it’s best to start small. Father Kodell explained carving out two minutes to just speak openly to God creates a routine. 

“It does help. It’s amazing what happens if you stay in touch with God every day. You become more patient, and nobody can explain why that is,” Father Kodell said. “Because we’re very busy people, we get ourselves stressed out on prayer as well. We need to set a low bar until we’re comfortable with what we’re doing. One day, we could all of a sudden pray a lot, and the next, we don’t. It’s the consistency of presence every day.”

In addition to prayer, preventing burnout is about being honest with yourself and others about what you can handle. It can include setting manageable work goals and prioritizing responsibilities to being home at a reasonable time most nights. It also means setting boundaries with family and friends. 

“Ask for flexibility because it’s more available these days. Younger people are so much more aware of a work-life balance, like asking for flex time or remote work,” Sherry Simon said. “Ask for what you need, take small breaks during the day and make time for physical exercise. Unplug the technology. Don’t just dive into TikTok for two hours. Maybe unplug. Stay in touch with family and friends.” 

Father Kodell said that God carries us through the stresses of daily life in both the quiet and the chaos. 

“If you have a regular prayer life and you are also a busy person, God intervenes during the day. If you get the right attitude, interruptions may not be interruptions; it could be God getting into the crevices to get your attention. It can take away the pressure a lot of time. You’re serving in the name of Christ,” he said. 

Are you out of balance?

Common signs of burnout include: 

• Under/oversleeping or under/overeating
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Feeling helpless
• A sense of failure 
• Decreased satisfaction from previously enjoyed activities
• Withdrawal, isolation
• Procrastination, even on things a person enjoys 
• Addictive behaviors, like consuming too much alcohol or overusing sleep medications to rest