November 26 and December 3 Combined Bulletin – What is Thanksgiving Anyway?
By Krystal Montgomery & Roland Flasch
“Thanksgiving” is traditionally a day we gather with our families… some who we can’t wait to see and others we can’t believe we are related to! We make a huge meal and stuff ourselves until our pants are uncomfortable and the men leave for their tree stands or retreat to the nearest TV to watch the football game. Just about the time you start to feel better, your grandma gets the leftovers out for round two!
While hunting, and football and family gatherings are all good things and an important part of our tradition, let us take some time this season as we head into Advent, to grow in our faith as well. “Give thanks to the LORD for he is good, his mercy endures forever!” Psalm 107:1
So, what is thanksgiving anyway? The word thanksgiving comes from the Greek word eucharistia… that is where the word Eucharist comes from! As Catholics we celebrate thanksgiving every time we come to the Mass! We gather with our parish family for the most important meal. We give thanks to the Lord for the sacrifice He made for us.
During this time of Eucharistic Revival throughout the church, we unite around the source and summit of our faith in the celebration of the Eucharist and through adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament. We invite you to join us December 6th for our Advent Adoration Event at St. Joseph’s in Rice Lake. (See page 4 for more info.) The evening will include food, faith, and fellowship in our Catholic community. What a beautiful way to celebrate thanksgiving!