Dear STL Family,  

The day of Thanksgiving offers us a chance to step back and take stock of all our blessings: family, friends, neighbors, jobs, health, etc. I'd like to share the uplifting perspective of Bishop Barron and weave his words into my sharing. Because for me, I honestly have to describe this special gathering even after three years following the deaths of my husband Frankie and my younger sister Judy as a bittersweet quiet. The challenge of finding joy is only overcome by reaching out to others in need physically, mindfully, and spiritually.

Thanksgiving Day prompts us to slow down and rest in God's overly abundant goodness. He willed us into being, supplying our breath out of sheer love for us. 

God sent his only Son to die for our sins "...I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).  Beyond that, God gave us his Church and the sacraments to feed and sustain us for this earthly pilgrimage. 

In fact, the word "Eucharist" comes from the Greek term for "Thanksgiving." (Koinonia equates to "sharing," where we get "Communion").  The entire Christian story is one of being a gift, of being created out of and responding to love, and of living a life of profound Thanksgiving.  

How will you show your thanks on this special day? I will include all of you in my Thanksgiving prayers!

With a very grateful heart,

Jane A.