Thanksgiving Mass Unites Community in Spirit of Gratitude

This Thanksgiving, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Streator celebrated a special Mass, marking a return to a cherished local tradition. The community gathered to give thanks, a welcome occasion for many who had not experienced a Thanksgiving Day Mass in several years. Parishioners expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to come together, as well as for the blessings they have received throughout the year.

Community Generosity on Display

The church was filled with parishioners bringing non-perishable food items to donate to the Streatorland Food Pantry. The altar became a vibrant display of community spirit, adorned with dozens of bags of food. This act of giving reflected a commitment to support those in need, reinforcing the idea that gratitude extends beyond individual blessings to encompass collective responsibility.

Fr. Francis Strong, who led the Mass, delivered a thoughtful homily that resonated with attendees. He cited the words of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing how the term “Eucharist” literally means giving thanks. Each Mass serves as an opportunity for the community to express gratitude and seek spiritual nourishment.

Attendees were reminded that gratitude is not merely a holiday sentiment but a transformative practice. By acknowledging at least five things to be grateful for daily, individuals can shift their perception and recognize abundance where they once saw lack. This perspective fosters a sense of unity, particularly evident during the Thanksgiving service.

Unity in Diversity

The atmosphere during the Mass was notably different, as attendees came together in a spirit of unity, setting aside political and personal differences. This sense of togetherness served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community, especially during challenging times. The gathering allowed participants to focus on shared values rather than divisions, creating an uplifting environment.

In reflecting on life’s ups and downs, many found solace in the consistent presence of faith. The Thanksgiving Mass underscored the belief that, regardless of individual circumstances, there is strength in the collective experience of faith. As the congregation joined together to give thanks, they embodied the essence of the Body of Christ, as described in Romans 12:4-5: “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another.”

The Mass concluded with a renewed commitment to recognizing the blessings in life, irrespective of external challenges. The attendees left with a sense of purpose, determined to carry the spirit of gratitude beyond the holiday season. As the community transitions into the holiday season, the hope is that this sense of belonging and unity continues to flourish.

Jerrilyn Zavada Novak is the author of the weekly column “Spirit Matters,” which explores experiences common to the human spirit. She can be contacted at [email protected].