of Little Rock, AR
August 23, 1960 - January 1, 2024
Rev. Michael Edmond Bass entered eternal life on Monday, January 1, 2024. A native of Arkansas, Fr. Bass was born on August 23, 1960 in Little Rock to the late Margaret Ann Lockhart and the late Samuel A. Bass. He began his seminary formation at Saint Meinrad College Seminary in Saint Meinrad, Indiana graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics. After college graduation, Fr. Bass continued his formation at Saint Mary's Seminary University in Baltimore, Maryland where he earned a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (S.T.B) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree. Bishop Andrew J. McDonald ordained Fr. Bass on August 8, 1987 at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Little Rock.
He served parishes and other ministries throughout Arkansas. He began ministry as associate pastor of Immaculate Conception in Fort Smith. He served as associate pastor at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hot Springs; Immaculate Conception in North Little Rock; Saint Theresa and Christ the King parishes in Little Rock and Saint Raphael in Springdale and St. Joseph in Tontitown. He pastored Saint Paul the Apostle Parish in Pocahontas and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Walnut Ridge and Our Lady of Fatima in Benton. He served as Administrator of Saint John the Baptist and Saint Mary of the Springs in Hot Springs. Fr. Bass cared for the spiritual needs of the Spanish speaking parishioners of Saint Rose of Lime in Carlisle. He celebrated the Mass for the Latin Mass community in northern Arkansas. In addition to his parish work, he collaborated in diocesan leadership as a dean, the diocesan Chaplain for the Catholic Daughters of America and terms on the Clergy Welfare Board and the Clergy Personnel Board.
Fr. Michael Bass is survived by his sister, Sandra Holland and stepbrothers, Sam Lingo and Billy Carl Lingo. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Bass and Margaret Ann Lockhart and stepfather, Billy Lockhart.
A Vigil Service and Rosary will be celebrated at at 6:00pm at Our Lady of Fatima in Benton on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 10, 204 at 10:00am. The internment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock.
''You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.'' (Heb. 7:17)
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7 Condolence(s)
Mary (Hanson) Pinkerton Andrews
Friday, March 15, 2024
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Father Bass. He was such a great friend in High School. Singing in the choir was one of the delightful things we shared together. I never dreamed all the singing at Holy Souls would have gotten you to the Priesthood, although Mr. Hathcote warned me the Pope was going to get you. So happy that you found your calling and I will forever thank you for the kindness you showed me. I know that you lived a life that was pleasing to the Lord.
May you rest in Peace until we all meet again.
Your friend
Mary
Luke Walker
Friday, January 12, 2024
Will always remember serving daily Mass with Father Michael. Was a good friend and will be missed.
Pauletta Walker
Monday, January 8, 2024
Eternal Father, we offer You the most Precious Blood of Jesus, in union with all the Masses said throughout the world, for the salvation of Fr. Michael Bass, Priest & friend.
Laura Woford
Sunday, January 7, 2024
Divine Mercy Chaplets prayed for you!
Linda Kay White
Sunday, January 7, 2024
May God’s perpetual light shine upon him.
Erin Lynch Mason
Friday, January 5, 2024
Rest well in His arms, Fr. Bass. Thank you for your service to the CTK community. I will always have fond memories of you.
Dwayne and Blanca Tucker, Christopher Tucker
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Rest in peace, Fr. Bass. Our love and prayers to all the family.