Greetings in Christ, all!
For the next few weeks I will be turning in my bulletin articles way ahead of time due to our printing schedule for the bulletin company. So, these articles won’t be addressing any current topics or anything – just as a heads up.
This week we celebrate Thanksgiving. This is my favorite holiday by far…I love the food and family and the focus on gratitude.
In my 21 years as a priest, I have come to believe that gratitude is one of the most important and neglected elements of the Christian life. As lovers of Jesus, we should be a grateful people, our minds filled with awareness for the blessedness in and around us.
For my part, I thank the Lord for the beautiful staffs I work with at both parishes and the school. I am amazed at the dedication, wisdom and sacrifice of our employees and I thank the Lord for them.
I also thank the Lord for Fr. Peter, Fr. Dave and Fr. Bill. We don’t really get to see each other much, but when I do get to see my brothers, I always feel lifted up and blessed by their love of God and His People.
I am so very, terribly grateful to God for all of you: my tribe. Every day I thank the Lord that He let me come here and serve you…you give so generously of your time and your gifts; you are so very encouraging…I don’t have the words to thank you. I can’t tell you how many people have commented to me about being welcomed and accepted when they came to Mass here and what a difference that made for them.
I know losing your former pastors was hard and change is always difficult, but you have let me feel your love and support from day one and I am grateful.
I love praying with you all, learning with you, suffering with you and rejoicing with you.
I thank the Lord for you all and hope you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!
Fjk
