By JIM NICHOLS Another author used the phrase “receiving the moment” as a paraphrase for contemplation and it struck a positive note with me. It was an admonition to pay closer attention and see what memories and aspirations God calls up from seemingly unnoticeable events. The biting wind of the day had relaxed to near zero leaving only a clear,
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By LORETTA FULTON It shouldn’t surprise anyone that members of Religion News Association voted the effects of COVID-19 on religious institutions and their members as the top religion story of 2020. Coming in second was the racial unrest that followed police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans, with many faith-based activists and groups taking part in
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury Uncle Mort, age 108, said he was ‘locked and loaded’ to give me an earful when he called recently. Reflecting on our lengthy conversation later, I decided he had unloaded at least two “earfuls,” rapidity at 250 words per minute, with gusts to 300. He had Olympic Games on his mind, but managed to include
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By DANNY MINTON She found herself in trouble. Kidnapped from her home, she now faced death from her captors. Her voice remained paralyzed, tears began to well up in her eyes as her captors forcibly dragged her out of the house. Half clothed, she remained a prisoner to the men who dragged her down the street, eventually throwing her to
Read moreBishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo will preside over online Masses in English and Spanish on Jan. 1, the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. The English Mass will begin at 10 a.m. and the Spanish Mass will follow at 12 noon. Both Masses will be available on the Sacred Heart Cathedral Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/sanangelocathedral In
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By LORETTA FULTON The traditional Watch Night service, which dates to the days of slavery, will not be held in Abilene this year, another victim of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to disrupt lives. The annual service, held on Dec. 31 each year, is hosted by Macedonia Baptist Church and sponsored by Greater Abilene Ministers Alliance. The service, originally called
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By LORETTA FULTON “My brothers and sisters, you are witnessing history this morning.” With those stirring words, Bishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo emphasized the significance of the dedication Mass for a new altar at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church. The Mass was celebrated Dec. 26, which meant that members of the Abilene congregation got a
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By NANCY PATRICK You probably remember a comedian named Jeff Foxworthy whose fame rests on his act that begins, “You know you’re a redneck when…” I have never thought of myself as a redneck, but neither had I realized that I might possess hillbilly blood until the recent Nexflix production Hillbilly Elegy aired. If you watch it, Glenn Close’s character
Read moreIDLE AMERICANCommentary by Dr. Don Newbury I have never read columns as entertaining as those penned by the late Erma Bombeck, who survived cancer surgery, only to be claimed by kidney disease at age 69. Her battle was valiant as she underwent five years of dialysis before ultimately failing to survive transplant surgery that came too late. (Never mind she
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