Celebration of Thanksgiving

It is almost frightening to think that time is passing so quickly that the great Celebration of Thanksgiving is quickly upon us. In less than two weeks we shall take the time to offer Thanksgiving to God for the gift of our country, our families, our friends. We will gather to celebrate a meal together with those we love and whose love is the source of gratitude and thanksgiving in our lives.

But first and foremost should be our thanksgiving to God from whom all blessings flow and to whom all prayers and thoughts of gratitude should be directed. Everything that we have and everything that we are comes from God. And so we continue our Parish tradition of beginning the celebration of Thanksgiving with a Mass of Thanksgiving that will take place the night before Thanksgiving at 7:00 PM. On Wednesday, November 26, we will come together to offer Thanksgiving to God as we prepare to celebrate the great American that is the tradition of our country and our culture.

During this Mass two events will take place. At the time that the gifts of bread and wine are brought up, we will also invite everyone to come forward and bring gifts of non- perishable food or monetary donations that will be used to assist those in need. All these wonderful donations will be laid before the altar to show our care and concern for those who have less and who seek our love and support in their lives.

Finally, at the conclusion of Mass I will invite the participants to hold up the bread that they will use at their Thanksgiving celebration. I will bless this bread so that the Eucharist of Thanksgiving that we have celebrated will extend into our family Thanksgiving meal.

Plan now on coming and being part of this Mass of Thanksgiving that begins our celebration of this great American Feast. Plan now on beginning Thanksgiving Day by thanking God from whom all blessings flow.