Dear Parishioners:It’s hard to believe but this week we celebrate that great American holiday of Thanksgiving. A day for us to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. President George Washington in his Thanksgiving Day proclamation declared “it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty god to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.” President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as “a day of national thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent creator and ruler of the universe.”
There is no better way to give Almighty God proper thanks and praise than coming to Mass on Thanksgiving morning. Our Thanksgiving Day Mass is to be celebrated on Thursday morning at 9:00AM by Bishop Evans. I hope you join us as we give God thanks for the many blessings bestowed upon Our Lady of Mercy Parish. It is also a time to remember all those who find the holiday especially difficult due to grief, sadness, sickness, distance or financial hardship. As we give thanks for our own blessings may we also remember in prayer the burdens of others and ask our loving and merciful God to comfort the afflicted and help the needy.
I offer my thanks to the many parishioners who have been filling out and returning the parish surveys sent out a few weeks ago. As we continue to comb through the hundreds of returned surveys in the coming weeks we hope to gather more information about ministry, educational and social activities. Our review of the helpful input so many parishioners took the time to send to us is of great assistance. The surveys have also aided in updating the parish mailing list. I am grateful for the constructive feedback that so many of you sent our way. It is truly helpful as Father Shemek and I begin our priestly ministry here at Our Lady of Mercy.
Let me also offer my thanks to the many parishioners who have thus far donated to the Annual Parish Collection. As you know this collection is new to OLM but also very important for our parish. The response so far has been outstanding and I am grateful for your generous support of your parish. The Annual Collection is scheduled for next weekend and I look forward to your generous response. Thank you in advance.
If you are travelling for Thanksgiving, please know you are remembered in prayer for a safe arrival. I will be heading to my sister’s home in Saratoga, New York for Thanksgiving Day dinner after Mass on Thursday morning and return on Saturday morning. Have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends! God Bless. God Bless America! Go Pats!