Weekly Letter from the Pastor

Dear Fellow Parishioners of St. Benedict:

While it seems to have come quickly, this week we celebrate Thanksgiving. As we gather with our families and friends to celebrate the feast, over-indulge perhaps, and even watch some professional football, let us be ever mindful of why we are grateful. Although the past year has been difficult with the downturn in the economy, and more challenging times looming as we change the calendar in another month, we have much to be thankful for.

It would seem that the worst of the pandemic is behind us and perhaps some of us - myself included -- will be with some family members we have not seen since Thanksgiving of 2019.

This is itself something awesome to celebrate.

We can also celebrate the many blessings we have all received since last Thanksgiving. We can reflect on the well-being of our families, our health, and our resiliency in a time of challenge, and many other personal or professional blessings of the year. 

Some of us are, however, also celebrating in a time of sadness and grief. The loss of a loved one, a sickness, loss of job, or other family or professional struggle, can make Thanksgiving a bittersweet day. While we might not “celebrate” sadness, we can still celebrate the gift that someone was in our lives, and allow our memories to enrich the day. Yet, that is not, and can never be, the same.

However and wherever you celebrate, remember the day is focused not on food, family, or football, but first and foremost on God’s gift to us. If possible, begin the day at Mass, and always remember to pray ardently and gratefully as you gather around the table.

As a parish we have much to be grateful for as well. Our school thrives; our parish is growing, we have an outstanding staff of professional employees, and a great contingency of volunteers. We have generous givers, and many active ministries to support. In short, St. Benedict’s Parish is thankful for the many gifts that we share together as a community of faith and love.

As a nation we have much to be grateful for as well. We enjoy many liberties, opportunities, and advantages. While some choose to focus on the negative -- from the right and from the left -- the fact is we are blessed to live where we do and to be able to participate in the life of our country. For good or for ill, this is where we are and, with a deeper sense of gratitude, we can clearly come to work together to forge an even greater society. Some prefer to curse the darkness, yet we ought instead to gather the light.

Counting our blessings also reminds us of our ability to pay it forward. As next weekend we begin the Advent Season, we have plenty of opportunities to exercise our faith through the support of the various collections and drives:

toys, food, gifts, coats, essentials, and of course, cash to support the various ministries served by our parish community. Grateful for what we have, we can assist others in their struggles to meet their basic needs.

As I mentioned, we begin the Advent Season next weekend. We will also be offering various opportunities for spiritual enrichment, praise and worship, and also some Christmas themed entertainment as well. Parish penance Service is Sunday, December 18, from 2 - 4pm. Please put that date on your calendar, so that you and your family can take advantage of the opportunity to prepare spiritually and sacramentally for the celebration of the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord.

A blessed Thanksgiving to all -- travel safe -- enjoy your time with those you love,
Fr. Garry