Pastor's Message

“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.”
-Ballou

This week we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, possibly in a more robust way than we were able to last year. The Gospel for the Mass on Thanksgiving Day is always that of the healing of the 10 lepers; only one out of the ten took the time and effort to go back to Jesus and offer thanks. It’s a strong reminder for us to have a spirit of gratitude and to express it to those who have shown kindness and love in our lives.

This year I am grateful for my sister, Jo Emma, and brother, Alberto. My sister works as a nurse in Corpus Christi and my brother as a software salesman in Nashville. Sometimes I wonder how three siblings can be so different coming from the same mom and dad! Then at other times I see the values that my parents instilled in us, adapted in different ways, shared by us three, and I am grateful for the example and legacy of faith and love my parents left us. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for our family.

I’m grateful for my brother priests who are there when I need support. Only they know the joys and challenges of trying to shepherd and lead others. I can call on them when I’ve had a complaint that has cut to the heart, and I can rejoice with them when a spiritual healing has taken place in someone who has reencountered Christ. I’m also grateful for our parish and school staff who keep the heartbeat of our communities running. They do so much so unselfishly behind the scenes and work long beyond their required hours. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for our co-workers.

I’m grateful to God for always being there for us. There is a passage from 2 Timothy 2:11-13 that exemplifies God’s unconditional love for us, of which I am so grateful:
If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
If we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful
for he cannot deny himself.”

Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for our God. May you have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!
“God has two dwellings – one in heaven and the other in a thankful heart.”
Isaak Walton

-Fr. Dennis