Thanksgiving is upon us, and it brings me to reflect on all the blessings in my life!
When we were children, our parents started teaching the basics. We were taught to say “please” when we wanted something and “thank you” upon receiving a blessing.
It was not something we were born with, but the more we practiced these words of thankfulness they became powerful words in our lives. And for that, I am thankful!
The Bible tells us in Psalm 107:8-9 “Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for humankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
Thank you for all your generosity this year. But as many still have not returned to our Sunday Liturgies, our collections are down. We have established new ministries this year (Youth Group), increased our outreach to the poor, added FlockNote (please sign up so that we can best communicate with one another). All of these ministries need contributions to sustain our pastoral works. We have also had to spend more money for sanitizing and keeping our school a safe environment.
Please reflect upon your blessings this year and how you can contribute to the work of St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish. We need your contributions, your support and your prayers.
God bless you now and for evermore!
Top Ten things that I am grateful for this year!
- The sharing of faith and love that I have experienced this past year, even in the midst of the pandemic.
- Our principal, staff and faculty who have tirelessly cared for the children of our school.
- Our Parish Picnic that was such a joyful occasion for all this year.
- Our continued outreach to the poor: Vincent de Paul, Soup Kitchen, Food and Fuel, and many unknown acts of charity and care.
- Judy Hunter, our parish nurse, who quietly and tirelessly cares for our sick and homebound; such a gift this year.
- Our parents and the great care they have shown their children this past year.
- Our many volunteers who bring the face of Christ to others; our Youth Group and Young Adults who energize our community.
- Our health care workers both here at St. Gabriel and throughout the world for their dedication and selfless care.
- Our First Responders who make themselves vulnerable so that we can be safe.
- For our God who watches over us in a myriad of ways. Finally, in a special word to Fr. Mark Madden and Msgr. Joseph Simon who ministerially care for us all, thank you for your vocation.