Bishop John McCormack’s Thanksgiving Message

This year, on Thanksgiving Day, it may feel to many of us in New Hampshire and across our nation that we have less to be grateful for this year.  We are in tumultuous times and many members of our human family find themselves in reduced and even desperate circumstances.

Perhaps the silver lining of the clouds that overshadow us here in the U.S. is that people set aside a day to recall what really matters: loved ones to sit at table with, a meal to share, and prayer to bring God into our hearts.  Truly, a strong faith and love for friends and family are the foundation of any happy life.  Many Thanksgiving tables would feel sparser this year but for that, in the midst of our challenges, we remember those who live with even less.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, and Christmas soon after, I hope each of us seizes an opportunity to give to others – be it a small gift to the New Hampshire Food Bank, to our parish Giving Tree, or to Toys for Tots.  If our personal finances limit us from giving something to another, I encourage you to consider giving your time and effort in volunteering at a parish or community program.  They can always use an extra hand during this season.  As you know, when we give, our heart is expanded and the recipient is more joyful!

Perhaps this Thanksgiving then, as we gather around our tables, we will have something new to be thankful for.  That is, our ability and desire to do a good deed for another.  It is this effort to reach out to our fellow human beings that brings God’s grace into our hearts and shows us what it means to live and serve as Christ did.  My prayers are with all of you this Thanksgiving Day, which I hope will be an occasion to be grateful for all that we have – and all we can offer.