Let us be thankful for Thanksgiving itself! This holiday gives us the opportunity to be grateful for the blessings in our life . We are grateful not only for the blessings in life but for the memories from our past, memories that differ a bit based on where we are and who we are with, but the many old and new traditions with families and friends.
At Saint Helen, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year. You may likely be reading this message on the Sunday before Thanksgiving or actually on Thanksgiving Day. It is a time when we give back to our local communities. Thank you for being so very generous. We have already sent two truckloads of turkeys to Soup Kitchens and are preparing for the many volunteers who will be helping us pack boxes with all the trimmings to go with the Thanksgiving meals. This has been another extraordinary effort. Thank you to all our volunteers for making such a big difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Thanksgiving is a holiday built upon being united with family and/or friends (be it in person or virtually) and sharing a special meal. On Thanksgiving Day, we will start our day at Saint Helen with 9:00 Mass in the church with music, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers (just like Sundays). We will bless and share a small loaf of bread with all who join us.
Whether you celebrate the holiday with recipes past down over generations, watching the Macy’s Day Parade, playing football, tasting four different pies, visiting relatives or spending a quiet day at home, I wish you and your family all the blessings of this wonderful holiday. Let us celebrate great times and great memories but most important let us express and celebrate all the blessings we have received from our Lord on this very special day. Let us also pray for everyone throughout the world for peace and harmony.
Finally, please know how grateful I am for each one of you. You are my family and I thank God for bringing me to Saint Helen and blessing me with the honor and privilege of serving you as your Pastor. Each one of you are a blessing I thank God for everyday but especially on Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless you all,
Msgr. Tom
