Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

This Thursday we will be having a Thanksgiving Mass at 9:00 a.m. The pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. They were willing to risk everything to be able to worship their God in the manner they chose. It would seem appropriate to begin the day with prayer.

Our country is troubled in so many ways right now. We are divided by politics. We have had any number of mass shootings this year. Natural disasters have plagued our nation. We still are fighting a war in the Middle East. The list of issues that we need to pray about is long. Doesn’t it seem like we need to turn not only to God in thanks, but also for help?

I offer this meal prayer for use at your Thanksgiving table this year. If you cannot attend Mass or you are celebrating somewhere else perhaps this pray could begin your meal:

Blessings,

Fr. Mark

Thanksgiving Prayer

Oh Lord, we thank you for the blessings

that have come to our country through the years.

We praise you for religious freedom

and all the other rights we enjoy.

We thank you for bringing

our ancestors to America.

We pray for the protection

of the rights of all immigrants today.

We ask for peace. We remember military families

who are separated from loved ones.

Please keep all military personnel safe

this day and throughout the year.

As we eat our meal,

heal whatever wounds are in our families.

Help us to love one another as you love us.

Bless the food we are about to receive

and provide for all those who hunger.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.