Although Thanksgiving is a national holiday, its celebration can certainly be enhanced because it echoes the basic orientation of our Christian faith. As St. Paul so eloquently reminded the bickering Corinthian community, "What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?" (1 Cor 4:7). We might say then that this attitude of gratitude is deeply rooted in our Christian DNA and consequently is naturally expressed in our central defining ritual as Christians - the eucharist, which is the Greek word for Thanksgiving.

Every time we celebrate the eucharist, we remind ourselves that all we have and all we are comes from God. As the priest prays at Mass, "It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ...".  So as we celebrate this Thanksgiving day, we not only thank God for the abundance of goods and freedoms we share as citizens, but also for the gift of God's abiding presence in our lives through the risen Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify our world.

The United States celebrates the agricultural harvest and other blessings of our life with an annual fall holiday, which is not only a festive celebration, but a time to recall our responsibilities as stewards as well. George Washington declared the first national day of Thanksgiving in 1789. In 1939 Congress fixed the date of Thanksgiving as the fourth Thursday in November.

Thanksgiving was the first holiday celebrated by the Puritan settlers of Massachusetts. The winter of 1620 had devastated the Puritans' colony with famine and disease. Help from the Native Americans and a good growing season resulted in a generous harvest in 1621, an event the colony celebrated by proclaiming a public day of thanksgiving. The three-day celebration, held after the harvest, combined two aspects of similar celebrations from England and Europe, a harvest festival and a public thanksgiving for a specific occasion of deliverance. Their celebration included common harvest festival traditions such as prayer, feasting and games. Even our contemporary celebration of Thanksgiving includes these traditions, though the games are now more watched rather than played!

"Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together, and for the faith which united them with their God."

Our Tree Lot opens TOMORROW, Friday, Nov 26th. Hours are M-F 11a-8p and Sa-Su 9a-8p Read More >

is this Sunday, Nov 28th, 6-7p. Sign Up Here

Make Christmas special for those less fortunate this Christmas. Choose a recipient to shop for, and drop off your gifts at the Parish Office by Tuesday, Dec 8th. Thank you for your generosity!

Please join us for Nativity Nights beginning Tuesday, Nov 30th at 7pm in the church. Read More >

Chicago a cappella presents “Holidays a cappella”

Our city’s acclaimed vocal ensemble returns with a new collection of musical gifts, created by ensemble member (and our own Music Director) Joe Labozetta. Hear new takes on beloved carols, music for Chanukah, holiday songs from around the world, and captivating seasonal favorites like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” Friday, Dec 3rd at 8:00 PM in the church. St. Josaphat parishionaers, parents and staff get 25% off General Seating tickets with promo code STJ2021. (Advance purchase only, not available at the door.) 

TICKETS: www.chicagoacappella.org or call (773) 281-7820

Please join us for Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec 5th. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/SantaAtSJS

Oplatki Wafers and Christmas ornaments are available for purchase in the parish office. Get them before they're gone!

will be accepted through Sunday, Jan 9th. Do you know an organization that should be considered? Read More >

Save the Date for Unity Gala 2022

Saturday, Feb 26th from 7p-12m at Rockwell on the River

We are looking for Weekend Office Associates.