Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends,

Thanksgiving, for me, has always been synonymous with family. Oftentimes, I would find my Dad, at the end of the full day, just sitting alone in our small living room. When I would ask if he was okay his answer was always the same: “You know, Son, I’m a damn lucky guy.” Dad seemed to be the happiest when his family was gathered together. I have heard it said that as we become older we become like our parents. At times, I too, find myself occasionally thinking about how lucky I am. I think of the words on a plaque in my office: I Am Because Of My Parents Love. Hardly a day goes by that they don’t come to mind. When I put my chasuble on I often think of my Methodist Mom who made many of my vestments. Whenever I am faced with an important decision I often think , “What would dad do.” My brother Jack does the same.

This Thanksgiving I recall my many blessings. First and foremost is Mom and Dad – Dad being the mailman and Mom the homemaker. Income was limited, although I didn’t know it at the time. Madeleine, Jack and I didn’t get everything that we wanted, but we surely got everything that we needed. I remember wanting a new two wheel bike. Instead I got my Uncle Ted’s used bike. I survived! Call me old fashioned but I think that it was good that we didn’t get everything that we wanted, unlike today.

I am grateful for you, our parishioners, and for all that you have done to make this such a caring and welcoming community. So many from outside our boundaries have become members of our community for precisely that reason. You live our parish motto: Helping Those Across The Street And Around The World. During this past year you have helped the destitute in Haiti, the poor in Cameroon and Jamaica as well as The Lamb Center, Christ House, ECHO, S.O.M.E., Martha’s Table, The Little Sisters of the Poor, Sunday Suppers, Carpenter’s Shelter, Casa de los Pobres in Tijuana, as well as another house built by the Knights in Appalachia. Through your poor box generosity we have helped those in need within our own parish. My gratitude is for the caring parish that I shepherd.

My thanks are many as I am sure yours are. The most important virtue is love – love for one another. It is who we are at Nativity. As I celebrate Thanksgiving with my sister and brother and their families, I know that Nativity will come into the conversations and I will share, once again, how privileged I am to serve you. For all you have done and continue to do, I am truly thankful on this Thanksgiving Day.

Happy Thanksgiving!