St. Andrew's Catholic Church-Yellville, AR

09/03/2026

The best breakfast in the area!! Please support our knights!!!

06/08/2026

For the first time ever, a Eucharistic procession was held in Marion County!! Thank you Father Ben, the Knights of Columbus, and all of the St Andrews parishioners who attended…all of you made this a success. Hopefully it is the first year of a long yearly tradition for our county!!!

06/03/2026

🙏 Please keep our bishop and priests in your prayers as they continue their retreat at Subiaco Abbey through Friday. May this time of rest, renewal and reflection strengthen them for the work ahead.

05/12/2026

Good information on the role of the Deacon during Mass.

Have you ever attended Mass and noticed that sometimes the deacon, rather than the priest, proclaims the Gospel reading? Many Catholics wonder why this happens and whether the deacon has a special role connected to the Gospel during the liturgy.
In the Catholic Church, this practice is not random. It reflects the ancient structure and order of the Church’s ministry.

First, a deacon is an ordained minister in the Church. Although deacons are not priests, they receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders and are ordained specifically for service in the Church.

Their ministry traditionally includes:
assisting at the altar,
proclaiming the Gospel,
preaching when permitted,
assisting with charity and service,
and helping the bishop or priest during the liturgy.

Second, proclaiming the Gospel is one of the special liturgical roles assigned to the deacon. During Mass, the Gospel holds a unique place because it contains the words and actions of Jesus Christ Himself.

Because of this importance, the Church gives the proclamation of the Gospel a distinct minister whenever a deacon is present.

Third, the priest remains the principal celebrant of the Mass, especially concerning the Eucharist and consecration. However, when a deacon is assisting, the Church normally assigns the Gospel proclamation to him as part of his ordained ministry.

This reflects the different but complementary roles within the liturgy.

Fourth, before proclaiming the Gospel, the deacon usually asks the priest for a blessing. This highlights that the Gospel ministry is carried out prayerfully and within the unity of the Church.

The Bible says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!” (Romans 10:15).

This beautifully reflects the deacon’s mission of proclaiming the Gospel.

Fifth, the role of the deacon in proclaiming the Gospel goes back to the early Church. The ministry of deacons can already be seen in the Acts of the Apostles, where men were appointed for service and assistance within the Christian community.

Over time, the Church preserved the deacon’s connection to the proclamation of the Gospel and service at the altar.

Sixth, if no deacon is present at Mass, the priest himself proclaims the Gospel. So the Gospel is never “less important” when proclaimed by a priest. Rather, the presence of a deacon simply allows the Church’s liturgical structure to be expressed more fully.

Spiritually speaking, the deacon proclaiming the Gospel reminds Catholics that the Church has different ministries working together in harmony for worship and service.

In simple words, the deacon sometimes proclaims the Gospel because proclaiming the Gospel is one of his special liturgical duties as an ordained minister. The priest remains the celebrant of the Mass, while the deacon assists by proclaiming the words of Christ to the faithful.

Now you know

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Romans 10:15; Acts 6:1-6

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1554; CCC 1569-1571

General Instruction of the Roman Missal: GIRM 59; GIRM 175

Code of Canon Law: Canon 757

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

04/22/2026

Holy Smoke!!!

Have you ever noticed that during certain parts of the Mass, the priest swings a censer and fragrant smoke rises around the altar, and wondered why this is done? This practice is called incensing, and it carries deep spiritual meaning. The smoke is not for decoration, it is a sacred sign of prayer, reverence, and honor offered to God, especially during the celebration centered on Jesus Christ.

First, incense is used to show reverence and honor to the altar.
The altar represents Christ and is the place where the Eucharist is celebrated. Incensing the altar is a way of honoring this sacred place, just as people show respect by bowing or kneeling. The rising smoke expresses deep reverence for what happens there.

It is a sign of honor.

Second, the smoke symbolizes prayers rising to God.
In the Bible, incense is closely connected to prayer. As the smoke rises upward, it represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven. This visible symbol helps people understand that their prayers are being offered to God during the Mass.

It is a symbol of prayer.

Third, incense is used to purify and sanctify the sacred space.
The use of incense during worship signifies purification and holiness. By incensing the altar, the Church symbolically sets the space apart for sacred worship and prepares it for the celebration of the Eucharist.

It is a sign of sanctification.

Fourth, incense highlights the importance and solemnity of the celebration.
Incense is usually used on special occasions, such as Sundays, feast days, funerals, and major liturgical celebrations. Its presence signals that something sacred and significant is taking place.

It is a sign of solemnity.

The Good News Bible beautifully connects incense with prayer:
“May my prayer be like incense offered to you.” - Psalm 141:2 (GNB)

In the end, the altar is incensed with smoke to honor Christ, symbolize the prayers of the faithful, purify the sacred space, and mark the solemnity of the worship.

That rising smoke quietly reminds the faithful that their prayers are lifting up to God from the altar.

Now you know.

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

04/22/2026

The problem is, those who feel disconnected see no reason to attend Mass unless they first know what difference Jesus has made in the life of the person telling them to go, he said.

02/20/2026

Just a reminder that we will have Stations of the Cross tonight at 5 PM. Please join us and bring a friend!!