Thanksgiving Mass 2006

Thanksgiving is known all around the country as the holiday when Americans come together with family and friends to give thanks for the blessings in our lives. At Pillar, we celebrate by holding a special Mass the day before the actual holiday. In this Mass, the first graders processed in as Native Americans and Pilgrims, dressed in creative costumes while the congregation sang “Come Ye Thankful People Come”. They were a sight to behold this year! In the Liturgy of the Word, the eighth graders proclaimed the Scriptures with the first reading and acting out the Gospel. This Gospel reading involved ten lepers, all of whom Jesus healed. Even though all of them were cured of their horrible disease, only one came back to thank Jesus. This Gospel showed us the importance of being thankful for what we have. The eighth graders gave a memorable performance. Father Tobin’s homily reflected the many blessings we share. He asked many of the students about the things in their lives for which they were thankful. The responses included many different gifts we’re lucky to have, but often take for granted. Towards the end of the Mass, the Pilgrims and Native Americans stood on the altar and held up pictures they colored of the things we have for which we are grateful. Their drawings included teachers, family, cats, dogs, and dirty feet. The Mass ended on a patriotic note, with everyone singing “America, the Beautiful”. What a wonderful tradition the Thanksgiving Mass is!

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