One of the great Christian thinkers of the past century was G. K. Chesterton, who died in 1936.  He was an Englishman who was an Anglican who then converted to Catholicism.  He is the author of many memorable quotes, one of which is this:
 
"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted, or take them with gratitude."
 
This week our country observes Thanksgiving day.  For Catholics, this is more than a day off of work, watching parades and football games, and eating lots of food with family and friends.  Thanksgiving Day highlights something we seek to do everyday, taking life not for granted but with gratitude.
 
The word Eucharist means thanksgiving.  Every Mass is an act of being grateful to God.  Please consider joining us for Mass at 8:30 am on Thursday before kickoff.  In my experience, deeply happy people have an intentional habit of giving thanks to God, not one day a year but each and every day.
 
                                                        Proud to be your Padre,
                                                        Father Jon Seda