Dear Parishioner of The Sunday Mass,

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” (President John F. Kennedy) These words from President Kennedy came to mind as I sat down to write this letter. I am not sure that the President was thinking about Thanksgiving Day but his words certainly reflect what Thanksgiving Day can be when in the midst of our busy lives we take a moment, a day to be grateful and thankful for what we have and especially for the people who made a difference in our lives.

I think the President knew that the act of giving thanks is formative. It shapes us. When giving thanks is our prayer, we can be changed. Being thankful causes us to look at things and people differently. Thankfulness and gratitude put our lives in the proper context. When we approach life with gratitude, we realize that all is a gift from God.

Yes, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the gifts and the people in our lives. Here at The Sunday Mass we want to remember to say Thank You to you during this time of gratitude. Thank you for being such loyal and faithful parishioners. Thank you for your faith filled support and generosity. Thank you for sharing your faith with us.

As we celebrate the blessings of our lives and our country please know that we will remember you and your intentions at The Sunday Mass. We know that you are grateful for your blessings and your loved ones and we invite you to pray with us the most perfect thanksgiving prayer there is: the Eucharist. The word Eucharist, itself means: Thanksgiving.

Please take the time to send us your Thanksgiving intentions and prayers on the form below so that we can include them at our altar as we make our prayer of Thanksgiving together, one body of Christ joined together in gratitude.

May God bless you, your families, loved ones, and our nation as we celebrate this most beautiful national holiday.

Peace in Christ’s Passion,

Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P.
Pastor of The Sunday Mass