The best rumors in the world come from churches, or rather the people that inhabit the sacred spaces. Like faith, the absence of proof does not dispel the rumor. Well the recent beauty parlor/barber-chair chitchat is that our smallest parish, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother in Hazard Nebraska, is closing. There is absolutely no truth to the rumor but like faith, it abides. What could have started such prattle? Naturally the removal of several dead trees next to the church.
“Everyone knows” that if you chop down some trees next to a church it is closing. Might as well get out the statue of St. Joseph, bury it in front of the building and put out the FOR SALE sign. (If you don’t get the buried statue of St. Joseph reference your soul is in danger of being mortgaged.) The rumors start to flow when anything changes with a church building. That’s why we haven’t fixed the toilets in two churches, just to avoid rumor mongering. (Well, there is the sometimes shortage of toilet paper; if you don’t have a working toilet, why do you need toilet paper?) A really good lavish rumor of a church closing would include the sale to a Baptist who is going to open a Bar and Keno operation in the former sanctified premises.
On another unrelated topic, there is a man impersonating a priest going around Texas and California trying to scam money. He talks his way inside the church and office and goes for cash and valuables when backs are turned. “Father Martin” was able to steal $500 from a priest’s wallet in Texas. You must be wondering the same thing, how in God’s good green earth does a priest have five hundred smackaroos in his wallet? The obvious conclusion is that the clergy in Texas are paid better than their Nebraska counterparts or the local pastor is a better scammer than “Fr. Martin.” New rumor: “Texas parish running vigil candle scam gets cleaned out by pastor; pastor later loses the cash to fake priest scam.”
Instead of passing on rumors it’s a better idea to pass on blessings. What do we have to be thankful for? Rumors usually are not based in reality but thanksgiving is based on the solid blessing of God’s love for all of us, saints and sinners alike. Happy Thanksgiving!
PS The church in Hazard in not closing and not for sale; however, the pastor can be bought.
Fr. Richard's Ramblings 
Happy Thanksgiving Fr. Richard. Looks like Mike will be in neck brace for around 4 months. We are thankful for no neck surgery. Hopefully his broken C2 Vertebrae will heal on its own. Much to be thankful for. Cheryl
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When the old St. James in Kearney was closing a rumor started that it had been sold with plans to renovate it as a bar. But when the supposed name was to be Holy Moses Dance Hall and Saloon, there was a terrible outcry. Whether or not that rumor was true is not known. In the end it was sold and is now an OB/GYN clinic
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As always, food for thought. You have a gift, Fr. Richard. Speaking for the entire Army, we give thanks for your service. Your sincerity, passion for service, warmth and dedication to your calling say all that needs to be said. Thank you, God for sending us such a shepherd. The happiest of Thanksgivings to you.
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Happy Thanksgiving to you. We’re grateful for your continuing humor and faithfulness!
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Happy Thanksgiving 😊 with many blessings minus the calories.
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Love, love your ramblings!!!!!
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