The Diocese of Little Rock gained a new shepherd during 2008 when Father Anthony B. Taylor of Oklahoma City was named bishop for the state.
The diocese saw a policy change the Dec. 5, 2009, issue reported in “Weekday Communion services discontinued.” Six parishes were affected by the change, which was necessary to comply with a Vatican document.
Two former bishops of Little Rock celebrated milestones during this time. Retired Bishop Andrew J. McDonald celebrated his 60th anniversary as a priest in Little Rock Sept. 7, 2008. Bishop J. Peter Sartain was installed as Archbishop of Seattle Dec. 1, 2010, where he would lead a “flock of 972,000 people.”
“Diaconate formation class, largest ever, is set to begin in August,” the paper reported on June 28, 2008. Fifty candidates would be divided into English- and Spanish-speaking classes.
Teens in the state had an opportunity to attend the Region X Catholic Youth Conference, the Nov. 20, 2010, issue reported in “Transform the world: Teens live social justice.” The conference brought 1,800 people to Little Rock.
Catholic High School in Little Rock won the 2008 state basketball championship in division 7A 46-44, which was the first in the school’s 78-year history.

In Arkansas Catholic 2008-2010 Click here

Mount Saint Mary Academy in Little Rock also brought home their first state soccer championship in 2008.
The paper followed preparations for the changes to the Mass during these years. The June 27, 2009, issue reported that “Bishops still grappling with new translations of Order of the Mass.” The Feb. 13, 2010, issue stated that “Missal translations to be ready for Advent 2011.”

A bishop for Arkansas
Father Taylor was announced as the bishop-elect for the Diocese of Little Rock April 10, Arkansas Catholic reported in the April 19, 2008, issue.
Bishop-elect Taylor, 53, would come to Arkansas from Oklahoma. He was born in Texas, the oldest of seven children and moved to Oklahoma as a child. He was ordained in 1980.
The diocese had been without a bishop since May 2006 when Bishop Sartain was appointed to Joliet, Ill. Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert served as diocesan administrator for nearly two years.
A special four-color, bilingual magazine edition of Arkansas Catholic welcomed “Bishop Anthony B. Taylor: A new shepherd comes to Little Rock.” The edition gave a timeline of his life, his ministry and his commitment to the people of God.
He was ordained in front of 3,400 people at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock June 5.
Bishop Taylor released his first pastoral letter, “I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Pastoral Letter of the Human Rights of Immigrants,” five months after his ordination. Parishes in the diocese held a three-week Advent study of the letter.

Missions unite Catholics
From Honduras to Haiti, Arkansas Catholic churches reached out to parishes in other countries, forming bonds with the people there in an effort to improve their lives.
Christ the King Church in Little Rock had organized 11 missions to evangelize, heal and educate the people of Trujillo, Honduras, since 1997. The Aug. 9, 2008, issue reported that for their most recent mission it took 359 days of planning for the six-day mission that included $65,000 worth of medicine, 5,000 toothbrushes and 5,000 tubes of toothpaste, a holy water font, statues, commercial oven for a hospital and school supplies for 10 schools.
Several churches adopted parishes in Haiti and helped offset the overwhelming poverty, and support schools and churches in the region during 2008-2010.
A devastating earthquake Jan. 12, 2010, in Haiti postponed travel plans for two mission groups — St. Vincent de Paul Haiti Mission Project in Rogers and The Hot Springs Haiti Mission of St. John the Baptist and St. Mary in Hot Springs — but it did not diminish their willingness to help the people of Haiti, the Jan. 23, 2010, issue said.

Protecting Life
The prayers and work of pro-life supporters were answered when the Fayetteville Women’s Clinic closed after 38 years of providing abortions. After its closing July 30, 2010, the only surgical abortion provider remained in Little Rock.
The Northwest Arkansas Respect Life Council hosted a Mass “to memorialize over 20,000 babies who died as a result of an abortion at the Fayetteville Women’s Clinic.
The work of those who prayed and counseled women outside the Little Rock clinic gained attention after the Dec. 4, 2010, issue ran the story, “Twins saved from abortion after mother sees ultrasound.”
Daniella, a 19-year-old living in Brinkley, came to the abortion clinic in west Little Rock on a Saturday in the summer of 2010.
Maria Maldonado counseled Daniella that day, asking her to request an ultrasound before she made a decision and praying for her after she went inside.
“I received three signs that day. The first was Miss Maria; the second was that I was having twins; and the third was that I was due on Christmas. It was meant for me not to do it,” Daniella said.
The Little Rock “prayer warriors” adopted Daniella and her unborn twins, throwing her a baby shower. Her twin boys, Taylor and Tyler, were born Dec. 28.

In Arkansas Catholic 2008-2010
2008
Catholics bring help with volunteerism after Feb. 5 tornadoes
New Searcy church results from former ‘visionary’ pastor
Mother Teresa’s sisters bless Little Rock. Mass marks 25th year of order in Arkansas
Bella Vista renovation project highlights energy savings
Wynne pastor records CD, travels as ‘minstrel of God’s love’
2009
North Little Rock youth group wins big with short video
Fayetteville parish joins other churches in prison ministries
12-year-old: Giving to CASA is ‘the right thing to do’
Theology on Tap brings young adults to discuss their faith
1945 alumna makes $1 million donation to Mount St. Mary
Sisters say goodbye to North Little Rock and to the diocese. Sister Sylvia and Sister Carol leave St. Augustine after new assignment in Mississippi
2010
First Vietnamese Knights of Columbus council organizes
Holy cows, hot sauce part of monks’ ministries in Subiaco
New Korean community melds cultural, Catholic traditions
Chapel dedicated to memory of Catholic prison minister

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

Arkansas Catholics mourned the loss of a pope and their bishop, while extending a welcome to hurricane refugees.
The years of 2004-2007 saw many changes in the world and at home that were reported in Arkansas Catholic.
Arkansans also coped with the reality of war in Iraq, the Church sexual abuse crisis and the excommunication of six nuns in the diocese.
In what was “believed to be the first time anyone in the Diocese of Little Rock” was formally excommunicated, six of eight sisters from the Monastery of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge in Hot Springs were excommunicated. The nuns were part of the Community of the Lady of All Nations, which is also known as the Army of Mary and is based in Canada. The Oct. 6, 2007, issue reported that the group’s founder “believes she is the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary and a co-redeemer with Christ.” The organization is not considered Catholic because of “false teaching on the Trinity and Mary.”
The Church continued to deal with the aftermath of the sexual abuse scandal and implementing policies to protect children in the future. In the March 6, 2004, issue, the paper reported that a national study said that “4 percent of priests accused of abuse.” All dioceses were expected to implement procedures to put them in compliance with the U.S. bishops’ policies. An article in the same issue said the report described that with sexual abuse, the “’smoke of Satan’ came into the Church.”
Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, and thousands of displaced people had no place to call home. The diocese and people of Arkansas responded to this new wave of refugees with generosity and compassion, according to “Time and money pouring in to aid evacuees” from the Sept. 17, issue of Arkansas Catholic.

Bishop Sartain leaves for Illinois
Arkansas lost its shepherd when the pope sent Bishop J. Peter Sartain to the lead the Diocese of Joliet, Ill., the May 20, 2006, issue reported.
“To be honest, it will not be easy to leave you. But the Church is bigger than any parish, any diocese, any state; and we will always share a spiritual bond more profound than any of us realizes. I have been blessed that in you God showed me just how much he loves the flock redeemed by his Son,” Bishop Sartain wrote in his column in the same issue.

In Arkansas Catholic 2004-2007 Click here

Arkansas Catholic published a special edition June 24, 2006, dedicated to Bishop Sartain and his “legacy of preaching and prayer.” In that issue, parishioners from around the state shared their experiences with Bishop Sartain.
Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, former vicar general, served as diocesan administrator until the diocese received a new bishop.

Pope John Paul II and his legacy
Pope John Paul II died April 2, 2005, ending his 26-year reign as the first non-Italian pope in 455 years. He was 84.
Bishop Sartain met the pope during his first “ad limina” visit to the Vatican in 2004.
“I was always amazed at his ability to communicate the Gospel clearfully and joyfully, even to large crowds,” Bishop Sartain said in an April 9, 2005, article. “His appeal to young people, even when he was frail and elderly, was nothing short of amazing.”
The April 16 issue reported that “millions mourn death of Pope John Paul II.” Calls rang out to name him a saint. His cause for sainthood was opened by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in May 2005.

Terri Schiavo and the right to life
The right to life was tested in 2004 and 2005 when the end-of-life case of Terri Schiavo was played out in U.S. courts. Schiavo suffered brain damage when her brain was without oxygen for several minutes after she collapsed 15 years earlier because of what doctors believe was a potassium imbalance. Her parents fought with her husband for seven years over the right to make her medical decisions for her. They later fought the removal of her feeding tube in court, but state and federal courts ruled against them.
Her feeding tube was removed March 18 after a state court ruling, an article in the April 2, 2005, issue, “Near death, Terri Schiavo given Communion,” stated. “On Easter, nine days after her feeding tube was removed, Schiavo was given Communion in the form of a drop of wine on her tongue at a hospice in Pinellas Park,” the article said.
Catholic leaders had consistently called for her to receive food and nutrition.
“God will call Terri Schiavo to himself when it is her time to die. It is not for us to determine when that time is, Cardinal William H. Keeler said.
On March 31, Terri Schiavo died — 13 days without her feeding tube — of dehydration. Her parent’s last appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected hours before her death. She was 41 at the time.
At the 2006 March for Life in Little Rock, Suzanne Vitadamo spoke about the death of her sister to a rain-soaked crowd of approximately 3,000, the paper reported on Jan. 28, 2006.
“My sister was not terminal,” she said. “She was supported by feeding tube, nothing else, no respirators or tubes of any kind attached to her … She was not comatose. She was not brain dead.”
Some positives did come from efforts in protecting life at all stages. The Family Healthcare and Women’s Community Health Center in Little Rock closed in early 2004, the March 27 article, “Prayer service held following abortion clinic closing,” reported.
The abortion clinic was next to the Life Center, built in 1995 as a place of prayer.

Next week: Stories from 2008-2010

In Arkansas Catholic 2004-2007
2004
Artwork can provide a healing touch, hospital says; St. Bernards installs Stations of the Cross by Hattieville artist
Church leaders: Iraq will have to travel long road to peace
Former diocesan lobbyist bound for the U.N.
Cathedral renovation nears end of Phase II; $700,000 still needed
Bishop leads Guadalupe Mass in Rogers for 2,100 people
Catholic chaplain baptizes Cabot soldier
Diocese begins the Year of the Eucharist in parishes Oct 16-17
NLR Knights will install four monuments to the unborn
Benedictines close Little Rock day care after 43 years
Jonesboro Hispanics, Anglos celebrate feast day for first time
2005
Pope appeals for aid to victims of tsunamis
El Dorado church brings Hispanic ministry to region
New food pantry allows parish to help poor in Rogers
Last Fatima visionary, 97, dies in Portugal
Sister was ready to die for Brazilian peasants, rainforest
Benedictine’s reputation for sacred art restoration growing
Alumnus to lead Catholic High next fall
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates inauguration Mass before 350,000
Hmong families reunited after decades and miles apart
El Dorado’s Holy Redeemer School ends 80-year history
Bishop dedicates new church in Glenwood
2006
Immigrants rally in Little Rock seeking reform
Diocese studying schools in northwest Arkansas
Scripture study director travels to Australia, Singapore
First Lady Laura Bush honors students’ work with Medicare
Little Rock parish to restore bell tower to ’working’ state
Good Counsel school will close May 26, plans for future
Dominican sisters’ 55 years of service to hospital honored
Msgr. O’Donnell retiring from parish but will stay active
2007
School merger addresses education in NLR
Population boom offers new challenges for churches
Company markets Bible-themed toys through local stores
After three-year halt, bingo games return to parishes and halls
Director supports state’s new umbilical cord blood bank
Pope relaxes restrictions on use of the Tridentine Mass

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

The biggest story of 2002 was the clergy sexual abuse scandal.
In January 2002 a defrocked Boston priest was convicted of indecent assault, but was accused of hundreds of other cases of abuse. Cardinal Bernard F. Law resigned amid allegations his diocese mishandled charges against abusive priests. Nearly 140 lawsuits were filed in Boston alone.
In March 2002, Bishop J. Peter Sartain issued a pastoral letter on clergy sexual abuse, which was read at all Masses. He reminded Catholics that the diocesan policy was written in 1992 and updated in 1996 to handle complaints made against clergy, religious, laity and paid and unpaid diocesan workers.
“Every case of sexual abuse of children is a horrible and reprehensible offense,” the bishop wrote. “When a member of the clergy is involved, it is all the more disgraceful.”
U.S. cardinals went to the Vatican in April 2002 to discuss the crisis. In the May 4, 2002, issue, Bishop Sartain commented on the U.S.-Vatican summit.
“Reaffirming my commitment to take very seriously allegations of sexual abuse, I join the Holy Father and all Catholics as we turn to God for healing, forgiveness and the grace to meet this challenge with uncompromising courage and harmony,” the bishop said.
Then at the U.S. bishops’ historic meeting in June in Dallas, the bishops approved the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that all dioceses had to adopt. It was called “one of the greatest efforts anywhere in addressing sexual abuse of minors.”
A zero tolerance policy was adopted, meaning that anyone who had sexually abused a minor would not be allowed to work in the Catholic Church in the United States.

In Arkansas Catholic 2001-2003 Click here

A National Review Board of laity was organized and began immediately gathering data on sexual abuse policies and practices across the country. The Office for Child and Youth Protection named its first director in November 2002. Kathleen McChesney was a former FBI official.
In July 2003 the diocese took steps to comply with the charter and updated the diocesan policy once again. At that time, the diocese released the names of the diocesan review board, which included a priest and a sexual abuse expert. The majority of the board was not employed by the diocese.

Sept. 11 terrorist attacks
Terrorism was the top Catholic story in 2001. The headline in the Sept. 15, 2001, issue read, “Catholics should seek justice, not vengeance in aftermath of terror.” Various archbishops and the pope commented on the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and rural Pennsylvania. More than 5,000 people were killed.
On Sept. 14 Bishop Sartain celebrated a Mass in observance of the National Day of Prayer. More than 600 people crowded into the Cathedral of St. Andrew at noon.
“This is exactly what we need to be doing,” the bishop said of the call to prayer.
The bishop also participated in an ecumenical prayer service on the steps of the state Capitol. Schools organized their own prayer services and remembrances.
When U.S. air strikes began in Afghanistan in October, some U.S. bishops and Vatican officials supported the retaliation while others were worried about civilian casualties.
The U.S. bishops wrote a pastoral letter called “Living With Faith and Hope after Sept. 11,” saying military force can be “legitimate” but did not agree with excessive force or economic embargoes.
On the first anniversary, churches across Arkansas held Masses and prayer services to remember the dead. Gov. Mike Huckabee and Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey spoke at a Cathedral Mass.
Other events were held around the world to pray for peace in 2002 and 2003 to condemn the possible strike on Iraq. The pope intensified his efforts to work for peace in Iraq in March 2003 by sending his envoy to talk to President George W. Bush. Operation Iraqi Freedom began later that month. Pope John Paul II said “violence and weapons can never resolve the problems of man.”

Death of a legend
Msgr. George Tribou, described as a “meat and potatoes” teacher and principal for Catholic High School for 51 years, died Feb. 2, 2001. He was 76 years old. He was so well-known around Little Rock that he had two funeral Masses at the boys’ high school — one for students and parents and one for the public.
Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert, homilist and pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock, said his friend was the most influential priest in the history of the Diocese of Little Rock.
Msgr. Tribou continued to teach freshmen sex education/religion and junior and senior English until he was hospitalized two months before his death. He had friendships with Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and President Bill Clinton and met the pope in 1999.
A special section in Arkansas Catholic in the March 17, 2001, issue included Msgr. Hebert’s homily, editorial cartoons by John Deering and recollections from former students and parents.
In May, it was announced that Dr. Mike Rockers, superintendent of schools, would become the new principal. On Feb. 1, 2002, it was revealed that a section of Lee Avenue in front of CHS was renamed Father Tribou Street.

Next week: Stories from 2004-2007

In Arkansas Catholic 2001-2003
2001
Was consistory a dress rehearsal for electing next pope?
Arkansas Catholic: Still on guard after 90 years
Hispanic growth changing face of Catholicism
Bishop Sartain blesses Pine Bluff high school
Catholic benefactors establish $2.5 billion trust to help schools
Covenant marriage new option in Arkansas
Saying goodbye difficult for Msgr. Hebert and his parish
2002
New ministry lures Bishop McDonald to Palatine, Ill.
Father Correnti always had time for his flock, his parishioners say; priest found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning April 3
Catholicism increasing at greater rate in Arkansas, survey shows
Former business manager charged with embezzlement
Answering the call to serve: 22 men will be ordained to the permanent diaconate Dec. 14
2003
Bishop dedicates largest Catholic church; building costs parish nearly $10 million
Newspaper pioneer dies from cancer Sunday in Little Rock; editor was first layman to lead The Guardian
Bishop ordains first Mexican-born priest
Latin Mass Community gathers to celebrate 10 years in state

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

The Diocese of Little Rock experienced more transitions in 1998 to 2000.
In 1998 Bishop Andrew J. McDonald celebrated two milestones as a bishop and priest. In May he marked his 50th anniversary as a priest. A special issue of Arkansas Catholic was published to look back at the bishop’s ministry in Georgia and Arkansas.
Bishop McDonald also hosted a golden anniversary Mass and reception at the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Little Rock for 14 other men who also graduated from the seminary in 1948. Twelve of the men attended St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore with the bishop.
The bishop also traveled to Georgia for a jubilee celebration.
Then in October 1998, he turned 75 years old, the age required by bishops to submit their resignation to the pope. The 75th birthday celebration Mass was held at the Statehouse Convention Center for about 3,000 people. Among the special guests at the “tribute” were two of his sisters, Cardinal Francis George of Chicago and 44 archbishops and bishops.
Before the celebration, bronze doors on the Cathedral of St. Andrew were installed as a birthday gift from the Catholics across the diocese and a prayer service was held for all the priests, deacons and religious.
Arkansas Catholic published a special 122-page, color magazine to mark the bishop’s anniversary and impending retirement. The magazine highlighted several of the areas where Bishop McDonald made his mark, including the transitional diaconate, ecumenism, lay ministry, Hispanic ministry and pro-life issues.
For 11 years the bishop was a fixture at the annual Mass for Life in Little Rock, but in January 1999 he missed the Mass. Two days earlier he had emergency open heart surgery. The bishop returned to his office two months later and presided over Holy Week services.
The Jubilee Year in the Diocese of Little Rock started with big news. Father J. Peter Sartain of Memphis was named the new bishop Jan. 4, 2000. With the announcement of a new bishop, Bishop McDonald’s resignation was immediately accepted. He served the state for 27 years.

In Arkansas Catholic 1998-2000 Click here

The ordination and installation of Bishop Sartain took place March 6 at Robinson Auditorium with 2,600 people in attendance. Arkansas Catholic published a 48-page magazine for the occasion. On April 1, the new bishop published his first weekly column in the diocesan newspaper.

Jubilee 2000
Beginning in 1997 the diocese began to host activities in preparation for the millennium and 2,000 years since the birth of Christ. Fifteen churches were declared pilgrimage sites and indulgences were granted to those who visited the sites.
Catholics observed several ways to ring in the new year. Beginning with Christmas eve Mass, jubilee doors were opened at parishes across the state. On Dec. 31, parishes and retreat centers hosted Masses, retreats and concerts.
The diocesan jubilee logo, created by Sister Maria Liebeck, DC, in 1997, evolved over three years to include a heart with a cross, a flame and a hand cradling the heart. For the jubilee, wheat was added to the logo.

Papal visit
While a pope has never visited Arkansas, when Pope John Paul II announced he would visit St. Louis in January 1999 many Arkansans were interested in attending. At least 1,000 people requested tickets from Bishop McDonald.
Because the bishop had open heart surgery, he was unable to make the trip. Msgr. George Tribou was introduced by President Bill Clinton. The pope prayed over the Catholic High School principal, who had three surgeries to remove cancer. In all about 400 Arkansans attended the youth prayer service and Mass.

Next week: Stories from 2001-2003

In Arkansas Catholic 1998-2000
1998
Postcard campaign against partial-birth abortion targets Senator Bumpers
’One hell of a man, one heaven of a priest’: Msgr. James O’Connell celebrates 90 years of life
Vatican repents for lack of action during Jewish Holocaust
Bishop McDonald releases statement on Jonesboro school shooting
Bishop releases statement on sterilizations at Catholic hospitals
1999
New high school set for Pine Bluff
Catholic television voted in: EWTN to debut on Little Rock cable following survey
Electronic sacraments impossible
No more sterilizations at Doctors Hospital
2000
King a Christian martyr? Vatican compiling list of martyrs to honor May 7
Girls’ high school commemorates 150 years with Mass
Morrilton new home for Journeys of Faith book, video ministry
Former diocese honors Bishop Sartain with jubilee award
Bishop Sartain signs pastoral letter about poultry industry

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

The Diocese of Little Rock continued to embrace diversity and spirituality in 1995-1997 by serving refugees, the burgeoning Hispanic population and the growing number of Catholics in the state.
The number of Catholics rose in the state to 85,992, Arkansas Catholic reported Feb. 1, 1997, a 2-percent increase over 1995 and an 11.5-percent increase over 1992.
The diocese continued to work with refugees, as the “only sanctioned refugee organization in state.” A March 1, 1995, article reported that the refugee program began in 1974 when the diocese helped Vietnamese settle in Arkansas. Since that time, the program had helped between 9,000-10,000 people, primarily from Vietnam, Laos, western Europe, Czechoslovakia and Russia.
The Cathedral of St, Andrew celebrated its sesquicentennial, beginning Nov. 1, 1995, with the dedication of McDonald Hall. The year of celebration closed with a procession and Mass in November 1996. Bishop Andrew J. McDonald celebrated his 25th anniversary as a bishop in September 1997.
The first Bishop McDonald Golf Tournament took place in 1995, according to the April 1, 1995, issue. The event raised $10,000 for Catholic Charities. The first Red Mass was also held in 1995 at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
The diocese began a new theology program in 1996. “Catholics in Arkansas will be able to get a solid foundation in Catholic theology, Scripture, liturgy and the sacraments without leaving the state,” a July 13, 1996, article stated. The program kicked off in September 1996 with 100 students.

Life Issues
Father Thomas Keller, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Little Rock, bought property next to an abortion clinic on University Avenue in 1995 with money earned as a hospital chaplain in the Army. On the property he built offices for Arkansas Right to Life and a handball court.
“This is a place where people will be studying for life, praying for life, and exercising for life, if you will,” he said.

In Arkansas Catholic 1995-1997 Click here

The timing was significant as the issue of banning partial-birth abortions was debated throughout 1996 and 1997, with then-Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee signing the Arkansas law banning the procedure in April 1997. The Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committe had previously tried to block the ban and keep it from a full Senate vote, the Feb. 15, 1997, issue reported.
The world lost a saint and pro-life advocate when Mother Teresa died Sept. 5, 1997. Before her death, she opened a home for babies in the United States reported in the issue dated June 24, 1995.

St. Joseph’s Home
The closing of North Little Rock’s St. Joseph Home, which opened in 1907, on Aug. 22, 1997, was a sad day for former residents and the Benedictine sisters who cared for them, according to the Aug. 16, 1997, article, “Benedictine nuns working at orphanage and day care watched over Arkansas’ children for 90 years.”

Embracing immigrants
The growing Hispanic population helped the Catholic population increase in the diocese. It also brought to light the issues of immigration and the treatment of those here illegally.
Bishop Andrew J. McDonald released his pastoral letter, “Immigrants in Our Midst,” to coincide with World Migration Day. Immigrants, he said in the Jan. 20, 1996, issue, are gifts from God.
“The history of the Catholic Church in Arkansas is a history of immigrant people. Our first bishop, Andrew Byrne, was a native of Ireland, and many of his countrymen followed him to this state, beginning in the 1840s. Many German and Swiss settlers also came during the 1800s, and these and the Irish were the majority of Arkansas Catholics during the rest of that century. Then came Poles, Slovaks, Austrians, Italians, Czechs, Cubans, Mexicans, Vietnamese, Laotians, and others. All of them have increased the numbers of Catholics in Arkansas and have strengthened and enriched our Church with their varied ways of living and expressing the Catholic faith,” he wrote in his column discussing the letter.
He also discussed laws regarding illegal immigration, and called for them to be “humane and sensible.”

Oklahoma City Bombing
A native Arkansan was among the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, according to the May 13, 1995, issue.
Mark Bolte, 28, formerly of Bentonville, was the “last federal highway administration employee pulled from the rubble caused by the April 19 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.”
The tragedy of that day allowed for moments of grace, another article, “Oklahoma priest helps Rogers family,” reported in the same issue. “Most of us, both Catholic and all religions, have been going to funerals,” Father Lowell Stieferman said. “Most people don’t ask the question why, but many have remarked about the good that has come out of this tragedy, of people helping people.”
Bolte’s parents, Joyce and Don Bolte, talked about how faith helped them in an April 6, 1996, article.

Next week: Stories from 1998-2000

In Arkansas Catholic 1995-1997
1995
Arkansas teens join 13,000 for Christian fellowship in Branson
Four Arkansas women take healing journey together: Project Rachel in diocese since 1991
Bishop McDonald: Pro-life stance means denouncement of capital punishment
1996
LRSS helping to revitalize Bible study around country: Australia to Zimbabwe, LR Scripture Study can be found in parishes in 43 countries
Deaf ministry in Little Rock small, close knit
Cathedral bell strikes again: Sound rings out from church after two-year absence
St. Bernard’s kicks off $35 million expansion project
1997
’Harmonica Man’ adds unexpected touch to choir
Mount Saint Mary Academy chooses its first male principal
Camp Monk-a-Many starts new traditions for Catholic youth
Arkansans pray for Mother Teresa, give thanks for Abba House
New Catholic church rises in Crossett following 1995 fire
Advertising
Pasquale’s Tamales: The tamale that crossed the Rio Grande for St. Mary’s Parish in Helena. The best tamale you will ever eat!

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

The Diocese of Little Rock passed a milestone in its history as it turned 150 in 1993, and it looked to stop the growing number of Hispanics leaving the Church.
Catholics in Arkansas continued to work on faith and justice issues, whether it was helping the needy through organizations like Helping Hand or the Westside Free Medical Clinic, developing the ecumenical prison ministry KAIROS in the state or working with migrants to become U.S. citizens.
Girls in Arkansas saw the change of the policy that would not allow them to serve on the altar. The April 23, 1994, issue reported that “Vatican gives approval for using female altar servers; Bishop McDonald says he will permit altar girls following bishops’ conference OK.” Later that year, the bishop’s conference approved the change.
The paper changed its publication date from Sunday to Saturday in 1994. Deb Halter left as editor after four years in 1993 and was replaced by Pete Hoelscher until 1994. In October 1994, Malea Walters Hargett joined Arkansas Catholic as editor.

Spanish Masses
The growing number of Hispanic immigrants to Arkansas saw the need for offering Masses in Spanish.
Other denominations offered services in Spanish, and many Catholics attended to hear services in their native language. The Diocese of Little Rock continued efforts to bring Hispanics back to practicing their Catholic faith, as reported in 1992 in “Hispanic Catholics in Arkansas: A New Tradition.”

In Arkansas Catholic 1992-1994 Click here

The communication gap between the two communities — English-speaking and Spanish-speaking was highlighted, and both communities were unsure of how to bridge the gap.
“We are never going to walk in the shoes of the immigrant,” Father Lawrence Brummer, OFM, said. “There’s no ill will, it’s simply that we don’t understand Hispanic culture, customs or the language.”
The differences between practices in Mexico and the United States, where lay people are encouraged to take an active role in ministry, was difficult for Hispanics.
Carolina Espinoza, 12, from a Honduran family, said, “I love coming to church here because everyone is so nice. The people who come to our Masses and who don’t speak Spanish love how we sing. I like that.”
“The Spanish Mass provides an opportunity to hear the Gospel proclaimed in their native tongue and at the same time to share their music and talents with the parish community,” Betsy McNeil wrote in the article.
The Hispanic Ministry office in the diocese continued to build communities around the state. The annual Encuentro continued and grew in popularity. The paper reported on Oct. 8, 1994, that 1,300 Hispanic Catholics attended.
The first Spanish-language articles in Arkansas Catholic ran on April 23, 1994, in a special “Vocations/Vocaciones” section. Diocesan seminarian Pedro Saldivar wrote “Gracias a Dios no regrese a casa” about his vocation. Two other articles discussed the requirements for holy orders and how to discern a call by God.
Little Rock Scripture Study also published its first study in Spanish in 1994.

Diocese turns 150
The diocese announced plans for sesquicentennial celebration in January 1992 and planning began in earnest. In addition to the diocesan committee, parishes were asked to name a chairperson to help plan parish activities. The theme was “Celebrate the Memory, the Moment and the Mission,” and it lasted from November 1993 to November 1994.
On Nov. 27, 1993, “Hundreds brave cold to kick off sesquicentennial,” the paper reported. A sesquicentennial flame was lit to signify the start of the yearlong celebration.
As part of the “memory” theme, the celebration included publication of a history of the diocese, a television special, a sixth-grade textbook on diocesan history and exhibits of historical and religious items and art. The “moment” theme celebrated parish liturgies, small group programs, Lenten reconciliation programs and sesquicentennial liturgies and prayers. For the “mission” theme, there were youth essay and art programs, parish homecoming events, parish RCIA emphasis, evangelization spotlight and parish open houses
“Catholics unite to honor 150 years of diocese,” the paper reported on Nov. 12, 1994. The sesquicentennial Mass drew 5,000 people to the Statehouse Convention Center on Nov. 6, 1994. Twenty-nine bishops participated in the closing Mass. Bishop Andrew J. McDonald buried a time capsule as a way to wrap up the sesquicentennial celebration, the Dec. 10, 1994, issue reported.

Clergy abuse
The Church began to deal with reaction from the clergy sex abuse scandals. In the Sept. 27, 1992, issue, the diocese outlined an abuse policy in “Diocese of Little Rock issues policy statement on pedophilia issue for all employees.” In a column in the same issue, Father David LeSieur looked at how issues affect vocations to the priesthood and the backlash to those considering a vocation. Many issues affect vocations to the priesthood, he said, and abuse diminishes trust in that vocation. He also addressed the outlined policy and the need for it in the diocese. “The steps provided in this policy are a compassionate, tough love way of dealing with the reality of sexual abuse in the Church of the 1990s,” he said.

Next week: Stories from 1995-1997

In Arkansas Catholic 1992-1994
1992
People of Clinton parish help plan a shelter for Van Buren County
Helping Hand director retires, recalls career: Sr. Annella Willettt, OSB
New Catholic center to benefit students at ASU
Two Catholic hospitals to offer maternity services
Mexican paintings reflect influence of Church
Man infected with HIV works to educate black community about danger of AIDS
After 108 years, Benedictines give care of St. Edward parish to diocese
National Black Catholic Congress delegates focus on family, youth, especially young male; 10 delegates and 2 observers joined Bishop McDonald from DOLR in New Orleans
Bishop Andrew J. McDonald celebrates 20th anniversary
1993
Junior High Spectacular draws 300 to Holy Souls
20 years after ’Roe’ abortion easier to get but harder to handle
Missionary image to come to Arkansas: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Kevorkian facing possible homicide charges in latest assisted suicide
Diocese notes two new developments in Rite of Election, Call to Continuing Conversion
Charismatic conference draws 700 for worship, fellowship, celebration
St. Augustine’s stations garner national award from liturgy magazine
Hundreds of youth, adult advisors prepare to leave for World Youth Day ’93 in Colorado
1994
Bishop Graves dies at 77
Old-world craftsmanship, artistry continues through Ukrainian egg
KAIROS takes root in state correctional system
Seamstress’ originality, talent put her in demand for vestments
New Catechism divided into four main parts
Immaculate Conception adult ed program one of five parishes to receive ’Mustard Seed’ award from National Catholic Education Association
U.S. Catholics responding to Rwanda relief appeals
Holy Souls School vows to read for 1 million minutes during year
Advertising
National Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, Prague, Okla.: Each day begins with 11 a.m. Mass, novena devotions

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

The growing diversity of Arkansas Catholics posed challenges in bringing Catholics together for worship in 1989-1991 and how to prevent discrimination in the state.
The Diocese of Little Rock reached out with ministries to various groups, and offered programs like “Arise” to educate the “unchurched” about the faith.
In 1989, Karl Christ retired as editor of Arkansas Catholic. Deb Halter, the newspaper’s first female editor, joined the staff.

The Church is all of us
The diversity of Catholics in Arkansas was evident throughout 1989-1991, and something many encouraged the Church to celebrate. The challenge raised in many articles was how to bring Catholics together when language or cultures differed.
It didn’t mean problems with race did not exist. In the March 10, 1991, article, “Never give Church an ’all-white’ face, Church workers told,” leaders were encouraged to reach out to all people and be mindful of how minorities in the Church feel welcome or not welcome.
The year prior saw Arkansas ordain its first black priest, and Father Warren Harvey discussed the need for black Catholics to have a place in the Church and feel welcomed. Some people in his parish neighborhoods, he said, stared at him because they’d never seen a black Catholic priest.
The Hispanic ministry in the diocese grew during this time. An Oct. 13, 1989, article posed the question, “Hispanic & Catholic: Is there room at the inn?” In the article, Father Scott Friend, diocesan Hispanic ministry director, encouraged English-speaking Catholics to attend Spanish Mass to experience it and see how difficult it can be not to understand everything that is said during the liturgy.
The Sept. 2, 1990, issue explored how “Arkansas teens learn from Hispanic children.” Teens from Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church traveled to Texas for mission work among Hispanic children. They learned about their culture and what they had in common with them.
The Sept. 29, 1991, the paper heralded, “First annual diocesan Encuentro set Oct. 5.” Hispanics from around the state would meet for the daylong event to celebrate their faith, culture and history as Hispanic Catholics in Arkansas.
The Vietnamese refugees continued to make Arkansas their home, according to the Aug. 18, 1991, article “Vietnamese refugees thriving in adopted home.”

Anti-Catholic sentiment

In Arkansas Catholic 1989-1991 Click here

Although the frequency and intensity of anti-Catholicism in Arkansas dwindled over the years from when The Southern Guardian debuted in March 1911, prejudice against Catholics was still an issue.
The Ku Klux Klan was still at work in Arkansas, trying to put a new face on the old hatred for anyone who was not “white” and “Christian.” In the Jan. 19, 1991, issue, Arkansas Catholic took an in-depth look at the Klan in “Ku Klux Klan: New look, old hate.” The Ku Klux Klan held a rally in Centerton at this time with the hopes of attracting new members in Arkansas. More news media and onlookers came than people interested in the Klan.
Father Richard Oswald, pastor of St. Stephen in Bentonville and St. Vincent de Paul in Rogers, attended the rally and spoke to the crowd.
“As a Christian minister in this community, I am deeply offended that anyone would come into this community and preach bigotry, hatred and separation among people in the name of Christian faith, especially to cloak it under the guise of Christian family values,” he said.
The Church in Arkansas again saw hate speech against them in the form of radio shows and printed propaganda distributed by Tony Alamo, pastor of Holy Alamo Christian Church in Dyer during these years. Despite the fact that Alamo was on the run from authorities, he still continued his radio show and trying to pit the Jewish people against Catholics, accuse the Church of persecuting people and state that the pope was akin to the anti-Christ.

Stolen history
The Church saw a rash of vandalism and theft at some of its institutions in 1989. In January, a historic bronze crucifix donated by Bishop John B. Morris was stolen from Calvary Cemetery.
Two chalices were stolen in September 1989 from St. Patrick Church in North Little Rock after thieves broke in through a window in a side door of the church. The two chalices were valued at $10,000 to $12,000.
In the Nov. 13, 1989, article, “St. Patrick chalices recovered from thieves,” police said they found the chalices while searching for evidence in another case.
At Catholic High School, a statue of Jesus was spray painted with pornographic graffiti. A U.S. airman stationed at the Little Rock Air Force Base volunteered to clean the statue, according to the May 26, 1989, issue.

Scripture Study Popularity
The Little Rock Scripture Study continued to gain national popularity, according to an article in the Sept. 15, 1989, issue.
“Scripture Study may not yet be as popular as bingo night, but the Little Rock Scripture Study office is giving its best shot,” the article said.
U.S. Catholic published an article about the program in its September issue. At the time, 6,300 parishes had used the program. An earlier article on June 23, 1989, stated that the program was in use by 6,100 groups.
Little Rock Scripture Study held its first annual Bible Institute June 1-3, 1990. The program drew 118 participants and focused on the Psalms. During this time, the Little Rock Scripture Study also offered an “Introduction to the Bible” and Scripture studies for teens.

Next week: Stories from 1992-1994

In Arkansas Catholic 1989-1991
1989
Deaf students learning to ’hear’ in classroom at Our Lady of the Holy Souls School
Voluntary euthanasia under debate in Pacific Northwest
Atkins church damaged by nighttime fire; Church of the Assumption steeple damaged, probably by lightning
Father Jerome Kodell, OSB elected abbot of New Subiaco Abbey
1990
Oklahoma Province bishops issue pastoral letter on abortion
Franciscan friars begin new missionary endeavor out of McGehee
Two major religious bodies urge Bush to avoid Mideast war
1991
For sixth year, number of seminarians drops
Three Catholic parishes train AIDS care teams
Stephen Ministers commissioned at Immaculate Conception
Arkansas chaplain says Bush may “repent” of decision to declare war
Subiaco celebrates 100th anniversary of abbey status
Advertising
Naked Furniture’s Winter Sale: Nation’s largest retailers of ready-to-finish and custom-finished fine wood furniture

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

Arkansas Catholics worked on spirituality, life and social justice issues in their parishes in a time that also saw the debut of Arkansas Catholic.
The diocese also continued to participate in the RENEW program and the Little Rock Scripture Study programs, as a way to deepen and enrich the faith of Catholics in Arkansas.
The diocese also participated in healing services lead by Father Ralph A. DiOrio of the Diocese of Worcester, Mass. in 1986. In the March 7, 1986, issue, the paper reported that “12,000 attend prayer event at coliseum.” A similar event in Fort Smith drew 1,500 people to the convention center there. Father DiOrio explained that his gift of healing was from God, and that he was not a faith healer. God uses him as a “conductor of God’s loving power.”
A new shelter for the homeless, Our House, was set to open in the former Cathedral of St. Andrew Parish Hall during the fall of 1987, the July 17, 1987, issue stated.
The Diocese of Little Rock saw another milestone May 28, 1988, when Warren Harvey of Conway became the first black priest ordained in the diocese.
An earlier article in 1987, stated that the first black man ordained a brother in the United States (May 6, 1937), Brother Vincent Webb, SVD, came from Fordyce.

New era for newspaper
The last issue of The Guardian ran on March 14, 1986.
“Together, let us all have happy memories of the proud history of the diocesan newspaper,” Bishop Andrew J. McDonald said.
The next week saw the debut of Arkansas Catholic, with a more modern logo and look to the newspaper.
The first issue was visibly different from the size and design of its predecessor, The Guardian. Bishop McDonald said the name change “speaks to the geography of the whole state.”

In Arkansas Catholic 1986-1988 Click here

The paper received some tweaking with a re-design on March 25, 1988, that included a new layout, columnists and news material. The new design celebrated the paper’s 77th anniversary.

Pope in Louisiana and Texas
Catholics in the United States prepared for Pope John Paul II’s visit in September 1987.
Bishop McDonald led a group to the pope’s stop in New Orleans. The group left for New Orleans on Sept. 11 and returned Sept. 13. The cost was $364 for double occupancy.
“It was a wonderful trip. I never thought we would see the pope in person,” Edward and Rosemary Hooks of Hazen said in the Sept. 18, 1987, Arkansas Catholic.
The group of 60 Arkansans traveling as a group went to the outdoor Mass celebrated by the pope at the University of New Orleans. The pope met with black Catholic bishops and leaders, as well as youth at the Superdome. A group of 45 also went to see the pope in San Antonio.

Life and justice
Parishioners were active in helping others and working for a better society, including promoting life and social justice issues. Arkansas Catholics continued their support of the right to life for the unborn. A prayer vigil was added to the March for Life in 1986.
The paper reported in 1988 that “Abortion rates for U.S. women among highest in West countries.”
The death penalty was an issue that divided many people. In the Jan. 9, 1987, issue, the “Statement by Bishop McDonald definitely opposes death penalty,” gave direction to Arkansans.
“In our society of increased violence with its flagrant disrespect for human life and dignity, the Church, more and more, continues to raise her voice against all forms of violence as she seeks to proclaim her consistent life ethic,” he said.
Father Louis Franz, CM, who worked in prison ministry out of Star City, said in the May 13, 1988, issue that “prison life must change to better inmates.”
Catholics in prison were allowed to receive the blood of Christ during Mass, the paper reported Aug. 12, 1988, in “Communion wine approved to be taken into state prisons.”
Social justice issues in the diocese lost a powerful voice when Father Joseph Blitz died of a heart attack in November 1986.

Vocations and the laity
The Diocese of Little Rock and Bishop McDonald were actively planning for a future that looked bleak for priestly vocations, according to an article titled “’Priestless Sunday’ plan set.”
“But this diocese is preparing for that day when many parishes will not have ’Father’ present for Mass on Sunday,” wrote Father Albert Schneider, then-director of the permanent diaconate program, in the July, 11, 1986, issue. The prediction at the time, based on current vocations to the priesthood, was that by 2000 the diocese would have only 23 priests. An article on Sept. 19, 1986, reported that the diocese had 26 seminarians.
The role of women in the Church also took center stage at this time, as the Synod of the Laity in Rome, held in the fall of 1987, explored the role of the laity in the Church. The diocese conducted a survey of Arkansas Catholic readers on the role of the laity in preparation for the synod.
The March 27, 1987, issue highlighted the fact that women were not allowed to serve in ministries on the altar in “Women may participate in foot-washing.”
“The draft document says Church norms excluding women from serving at the altar and from being installed in certain lay ministries ’seem to stand in contradiction to our call for women’s more direct involvement in the life of the Church’,” it said in the April 22, 1988, issue of Arkansas Catholic.

Next week: Stories from 1989-1991

In Arkansas Catholic 1986-1988
1986
Junior high school to open in September: Trinity Junior High in Fort Smith
Sesquicentennial Mass draws big attendance
Diocesan refugee office helps 25 to become citizens
1987
Youth department sponsoring Christian rock concert soon
Black seminarians association is important means of support
86 cases of AIDS found in Arkansas
Our Lady of the Ravine still remembered
Local Black Congress delegates plan follow-up of proposals
Bishop McDonald explains his position on building project in St. John’s Woods
Msgr. Francis Allen retired after 40 years as pastor at Our Lady of the Holy Souls
1988
For priests in diocese, chapel windows contain special meaning
President Reagan praises Arkansas Catholic schools
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin gives okay for casting vote on abortion issue only
Advertising
Enjoy Holsum bread … with all the good things baked in!
Fun to Spare: Midland Bowl. Open 24 hours every day, Fort Smith

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

Peace and justice issues came to the forefront in 1983 to 1985.
In the May 6, 1983, issue, under the headline “Nuclear arms condemned,” the U.S. bishops approved the pastoral called “The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response,” which was hailed a milestone in the Church.
“Imminent deployment of U.S. cruise and Pershing II nuclear missiles in Europe” made the pastoral a timely topic for the Church to speak about and study. The bishops noted that America used the first atomic bomb on Japan during World War II during a time when the United States was the only one with the weapon.
The bishops encouraged the practice of meatless Fridays, prayers and penance for all Catholics for the promotion of peace. The pastoral was studied in parishes at the urging of Bishop Andrew J. McDonald.
“The issue of war and peace is akin to the issue of life and death,” the bishop said in 1984.
At one town meeting promoted by Pax Christi-Arkansas and attended by Bishop McDonald, some laity in attendance criticized the bishop’s pastoral.

In The Guardian 1983-1985 Click here

In the Feb. 10, 1984, issue managing editor Bill O’Donnell wrote in an editorial, “Anyone who believes in the Blessed Virgin Mary must accept the fact that ’war is a punishment from God for sin.’”
Father Joseph Biltz, diocesan director of the Office of Peace and Justice, was a popular speaker at the time. In 1983 he asked Catholics to observe Central America Week, chosen to commemorate the third anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero.
Other Catholic and ecumenical speakers came to Little Rock to talk about peace and justice issues.
When testifying before the State Judiciary Committee at the State Capitol on Feb. 8, 1983, Father Biltz spoke out in support of a prohibition on capital punishment.
“We concur that violence cannot be stemmed by violence. History proves this and morality calls for it,” he told the committee.
He supported the work of James Richard Sauder, who entered missile sites in Arkansas to protest militarism, racism and poverty.
“Father Biltz stood outside the silo grounds reading a Bible while Sauder went inside the fence,” a Sept. 16, 1983, article in The Guardian said.
In the June 7, 1985, issue it was announced that Father Biltz was honored by the Urban League of Arkansas. The chairman of the board was given the Outstanding Service Award for his promotion of world peace and economic and social justice.
Father Biltz was arrested on July 23, 1985, in Washington, D.C., with 42 other Urban League members in front of the South African Embassy for his opposition to apartheid.

Mary Doe
In May 1983, Mary Doe was buried in Calvary Cemetery. The seven-month-old fetus was found in a drainage ditch. Before her burial she was given the name Mary by North Pulaski County Right to Life, which assumed guardianship of the remains. Christians came forward to ensure the unborn child received a Christian burial and even donated the clothing she was buried in. The diocese donated the plot and North Little Rock Funeral Home donated the casket.
Of the autopsy, state examiner Dr. Fahmy Malak said Mary was “a perfect little bud that was clipped before she could blossom.”
(Arkansas Right to Life now bestows the Mary Rose Doe Award annually to honor those who work in the pro-life movement.)

Black Catholics
The Council for Black Catholics was organized in the diocese in August 1983 with Father Michael Aureli, pastor of St. Augustine Church in North Little Rock, leading the advisory board. The council, which was discussed for three years, provided a way to dialogue with the bishop about the black community and address the spiritual needs of the community.
“In 1980, Bishop McDonald questioned whether St. Augustine’s should be kept open. In the 1950s and 1960s, there were 10 black parishes in the diocese. In the 1970s, it was decided to integrate them with white parishes,” Father Aureli said. “Seven of the black parishes closed and many blacks left the Church.”

Newspaper changes
The Guardian was under the leadership of Bill O’Donnell as managing editor and associate communications director for many years. He served on The Guardian staff as managing editor for 31 years. In the March 8, 1985, issue, it was announced that Father Joseph Conyard, SJ, would become the communications director and managing editor, and O’Donnell would retire. In 1981 O’Donnell retired from day-to-day operations of the weekly newspaper but continued to oversee the radio and television ministries. Karl Christ continued in his position as editor.

Renew
Renew, a spiritual revitalization program for all parishioners, was launched in the diocese in September 1984. Father James Mancini was named the spiritual director with Father Richard Oswald serving as a consultant. Bishop McDonald brought the program to the diocese with the support of the priests.
“Following the Vatican Council, our Church has undergone a dramatic transformation. Energetic efforts have been made to renew the Church. As part of that effort, I am offering our diocesan family a program or process known as Renew,” the bishop wrote.
The three-year formation process included take-home materials, large group activities and small group meetings.
A Renew Mass was held in October 1985, drawing about 4,000 people to the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

Next week: Stories from 1986-1988

In The Guardian 1983-1985
1983
141 Catholics now in Congress
Pope restores 10 holy days
Msgr. O’Connell named prothonotary apostolic
National Historic Register includes St. Edward Church of Diocese of Little Rock
Father Tribou asks leniency for pupils in swim arrests
Vatican accepts Shroud of Turin
1984
Agca heard begging for pope’s forgiveness
Pamphlets by Alamo defended
Surge of petitions may put unborn issue before voters
2 LR Catholics join ’witness’ in Nicaragua
Mrs. Ferraro paradox on Catholic issues
St. Peter’s welcomes nuns who will reopen school
Bishop slams gambling
1985
Historic event: Vincentian priests in diocese
Inactive Catholics rate top priority
Presbyterians, Catholics agree on two issues
Parishes to test RCIA
Scripture Study goes with national promo
Advertising
Subiaco Abbey altar wine, made from Arkansas Delaware Grapes, a delicious white wine made with ecclesiastical approval for use in the Mass
Baldwin and Associates Inc.: Bud Baldwin Jr. brings total insurance coverage to Arkansas

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.

Cuban refugees living at Fort Chaffee, the visit of Mother Teresa, the diocese’s first diaconate ordination and the growth of Little Rock Scripture Study were highlights from the early 1980s.

Refugees in Arkansas
On May 6, 1980, Fort Chaffee outside Fort Smith became a Cuban refugee resettlement center after the Cuban government allowed American boats to pick up refugees in Mariel Harbor. (In two years, Fort Chaffee processed 25,390 Cuban refugees.)
Under the headline, “Diocese helping refugees” in the May 23, 1980, issue, it was announced that the diocese is collecting clothes for the refugees. Father Joseph Biltz, refugee resettlement director, said the diocese was seeking sponsors to help the family resettle in Arkansas.
“The Cuban refugee is an old man, tired grandmother, a distressed father, a frightened mother, a bewildered child,” Bishop McDonald wrote in a May 11, 1980, letter published in The Guardian. “But for the grace of God, the Cuban refugee is you and I.”

In The Guardian 1980-1982 Click here

A National Catholic news article described the conditions at Fort Chaffee in the June 20 issue. Father Pedro Nunez of the Archdiocese of New Orleans said he was ministering to 18,500 confused and misjudged Cubans.
He said about 100 people are guilty of rioting and should be jailed, but the rest were decent, hardworking people who were embarrassed by what happened. Many of the refugees were separated from their spouses and children.

Vocations
The dioceses hosted Vocations Day on April 27, 1980. Bishop McDonald asked parishes to pray during Mass and hold local programs for youth in order to obtain an increase in vocation. Father Jack Harris, vocations director, asked parishes to set up vocations councils.
“Every priest was once a boy; every priest was once a parishioner. It is likely that he heard God’s call because of the love and support of the parish family,” Bishop McDonald wrote to mark the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
In the fall of 1980 the diocese announced it had 22 seminarians. In the fall of 1981 the new vocations director, Father Joseph Correnti, said a vocations shortage is being experienced, but it would be another five to 10 years before it was felt.
While priest ordinations were declining, the number of deacons in Arkansas jumped. On Nov. 7, 1981, the ordination of 21 men was held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. It was the first class of deacons for the Diocese of Little Rock. The diocese, at the time, had two deacons who were trained in other states. They were Dr. Victor J. Stepka Jr. of Jonesboro and Bill Brock of Little Rock.

Little Rock Scripture Study
After several years as the Arkansas Diocesan Scripture Study program based in Arkansas parishes, what would become known as Little Rock Scripture Study began to get more recognition nationwide and worldwide. A series of articles in August 1980 described the evolution of the ministry. At the time, more than 200 parishes and study groups were meeting.
“In just five years, the Arkansas Diocesan Scripture Study program has become fruitful beyond what any of the originators of the course ever imagined,” the first article, titled “A diocesan success story,” said.
By fall 1980, LRSS had 10 different Bible studies.

Assassination Attempt
A large headline saying “He lives! Thanks be to God” with a photograph of Pope John Paul II was prominent on the front page of the May 15, 1981, issue. An assassination attempt on the pope was not successful while he was arriving for his general audience at St. Peter Square. For Christmas that year he gave each bishop a book containing a series of addresses given to pilgrims in October. He recalled his thoughts on his recovery.

Mother Teresa
The announcement that Mother Teresa of Calcutta was coming to Little Rock in June 1982 was met with much excitement. The Nobel Peace Prize winner came to the state to look at Abba House, a home for unwed mothers, where she was planning to assign her sisters. The couple who started Abba House, Pat and Jim Grabher, were highlighted in the May 7, 1982, issue.
The June 11 issue reported on the visit, complete with four pages of photographs.
“Let’s hope what we do will be pleasing to God,” Mother Teresa was quoted as saying.

Next week: Stories from 1983-1985

In The Guardian 1980-1982
1980
Chinese install puppet ’bishop’
Hammerschmidt, Bethune join challenge of abortion funding
U.S. fiasco in Iran brings restraint plea
Catholics in U.S. total 49.8 million
LR see organizes Hispanic council
1981
John Paul ready to meet Walesa
Priests are asking for stricter seminary adherence to rules
Minority enrollments up in diocesan schools
Frank King named chaplain at prison
1982
Bishop Graves resigns in Louisiana
First time ever, black Catholic homecoming Nov. 27
Mount St. Mary’s sisters get new convent
Advertising
Chip’s Barbecue, Little Rock: Stay healthy, let us do the smoking
Friedman’s Microwave Owens: Now $638

Click here to see searchable digital archives of The Guardian for 1911-1914, 1921 and 1945.

Click here to see the index of stories in Arkansas Catholic’s time capsule series.