The following news release was issued Friday, April 20, by Bishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo. Effective May 8, the diocese will enter Phase Two Protocols, which ease some restrictions. Changes are as follows: Facemasks for attendees are not mandated but are strongly encouraged. Every pew may now be used. The social distance requirement of six
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By LORETTA FULTON Thinking of going shopping for a new Easter outfit? Be sure to add “white mask” to the list. A year after Christians were stunned by the closure of churches on Easter Sunday, life is somewhat back to normal. In 2020, the traditional Easter celebrations with flowers, music, sunrise services, breakfasts, and egg hunts fell victim to the
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By LORETTA FULTON Many churches. ministries, and religious institutions are continuing with COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a mask, despite Gov. Greg Abbott’s announcement that the statewide mask mandate will be lifted effective Wednesday, March 10. The governor’s order also allows restaurants to return to 100 percent seating capacity, effective March 10. Reactions to the governor’s announcement vary from “it’s too
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(Editor’s Note: The following article by Bishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo first was published in the December issue of the diocesan newspaper, West Texas Angelus. It is republished here with permission. The article details the bishop’s personal battle with coronavirus. By Most Rev. Michael J. SisBishop, Catholic Diocese of San Angelo The coronavirus had been
Read moreBy CAROLYN NEWMAN I do not go to church in town,I go to church in my nightgown.I do not want to be a crier‘Cause I cannot sing in choir. I’ve done that for 53 yearsSee me holding back my tears?The next best thing for you and meIs pioneerdrive.tv. I do miss my Sunday School friendsMy teacher’s expertise never ends.Our leader
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“The Year of COVID-19” won’t be celebrated by many people, but don’t discount the innovation and creativity that continues to pop up because of the pandemic. Spirit of Abilene would like to share the innovative and creative ways that congregations, or individuals, are coping with the chaos brought about by the coronavirus. What does your “Everyday Ministry” look like during this
Read moreEditor’s Note: Nancy Patrick is a regular contributor to Spirit of Abilene. Her columns usually carry weight, but she recently posted the following “Lessons Learned,” with both insight and humor, on Facebook. Read and enjoy. Lessons learned from COVID-19 quarantine from Nancy Patrick 1. I know there is no one I had rather been quarantined with than my sweet husband
Read moreBishop Michael Sis of the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo recorded this video about the importance of maintaining patience and discipline during the coronavirus pandemic. Although the message was prepared for Catholics in the diocese, it is a good reminder to all.
Read moreEditor’s Note: Brian and Karen Massey are offering to purchase a Zoom subscription for small churches that can’t afford on. If your church fits, or if you know of one that does, contact Brian by emailing brian@housesforhealing.com By BRIAN MASSEY Who would have thought in January of 2020 that almost the entirety of the churches across America would close their
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