From the Pastor's Desk
Since the arrival of Fr. John Connell in 2023 he has communicated to the parish through a series of Pastoral Desk Issues. If you would like to read and discover his thoughts look below :
2026, current issue
Release Date: Thursday, April 10, 2026
New Associate named for St Joseph
Effective, Wednesday, July 1st, Bishop Taylor has named the future Father Duwan Booker (to be ordained a priest, May 31, 2026) as associate pastor of St Joseph Church in Conway. In addition, Bishop Taylor has named Father Taryn Whittington as associate pastor of Our Lady of Holy Souls in Little Rock.
All of you know Dc Booker and I look forward to having him as my new associate starting in July. Father Taryn will be relieved of his assignment at St Boniface and St Oscar. Father Taryn has not lived at the rectory since Dc Duwan moved into the rectory in January.
It is important to pray for all those who are changing assignments this summer and especially for the 5 new priests to be ordained for our diocese on May 31st. This can be an emotional time for them. There is excitement, anxiety, fear, and joy all at once.
I still have 12 weekends of Masses by myself until “Father” Booker arrives on July 1st. Please keep me in your prayers as I navigate the weeks ahead without an associate. As I said in a previous article, be patient with scheduling appointments. I promise to do my best to get everyone who needs to see me in as soon as possible.
Father John
