In Everything Give Thanks
-1 Thessalonians 5:18
At this time of year as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day and enter into the Advent season, members of our extended parish staff gathered reflections on the meaning of giving thanks and the many things, big and small, we have to be thankful for. Hopefully this will inspire you to do your own reflection on Thankfulness!
I am thankful for so many things, not only wonderful family and friends, a roof over my head, food to eat and my health but also all the everyday wonders that I often take for granted. I give thanks for: sipping coffee and watching the birds in the bird feeder outside my kitchen window every morning; the comings and goings of all the people in and out of the faith formation office sharing stories, hugs, smiles, and laughter; everyone on the faith formation team who dedicate themselves to ministering to all our parishioners especially the children and teens; the energy and smiles of the children in the faith formation classes; the gorgeous sunsets especially this time of year; the welcome respite as I lay my head on my pillow at the end of the day.
-Monica P.
My 5 years as pastor in Rocky Hill, my forty years of priesthood, for the awesome outpouring of support and prayers for my 40th anniversary and people who so generously planned and executed the parish celebration, for the staff especially during the past two years during the Pandemic and especially for the awesome love of the Lord in all ways and times.
-Fr George
In addition to the usual things (which I am supremely grateful for): health, family, most excellent job with excellent co-workers, home and hearth, I am grateful for crunching pine cones, a beautiful sunset, Aldi chocolate, a really good cup of coffee (and my husband making that really good cup of coffee), audio books that magically appear on my phone, crossword puzzles, LOTS of travel, nature, and a million other things.
-Joy O.
I am grateful for thirty-seven years of marriage, the grace of living to see my grandchildren, being part of our faith community since 1985 and the chance to help people see something new in their faith.
-Deacon Michael
I am deeply grateful for thirty-three years of being part of the Catholic community of Rocky Hill, twenty years of marriage, eighteen years of parenthood, the angels who have helped me care for my mom for the past few years and the gift of faith which sustains me every day.
-Lisa O.
I am especially thankful to have finally seen my two daughters, grandsons, and son in law who live in England after a long 2 ½ years of COVID separation.
-Elizabeth H.
I am thankful for the abundant blessings God has provided to me and my family: our home, our health, our extended family and friends, our faith community, our jobs, our meals and the opportunities to share our faith with those around us.
-Lori G.
I am grateful to God for giving me the faith and strength to get through life’s challenging days, my third grade students who lift and fill me up every time I see them, the wisdom, grit, and compassion God has instilled in me, and I am grateful to be grateful!
-Leslie E.
For me, COVID was a time of great testing, reflection, learning and ultimately gratitude. May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).
-Beth
I am thankful for my family and the opportunity to help the young members of our parish to find their way into God's love. I am grateful to all the positive people around me to help me be successful in all things that I try to do.
-Linda S.
I am grateful for our faith formation team and catechists who are some of the hardest working people I have ever met. They inspire me to bring the joy of our faith to our students and families. I am grateful for the amazing teens we have in our Confirmation program whose presence and trust helps my faith continue to grow. Most of all, I am grateful to be able to gather as a community of followers even with COVID restrictions and pray for peace and health for all. On a personal note, my heart is bursting with love as I welcomed my second grandson to this world in October. I feel blessed beyond words.
-Carol R.
I am thankful for: my many years of good health; my wife and 2 daughters, truly a wonderful family; the opportunity to live in the safe, attractive and friendly town of Rocky Hill; the 46 years of uninterrupted professional employment, which I truly enjoyed; the opportunity to have traveled throughout the U.S. and to experience its many natural beauties.
-Tom D.
I have much to be thankful for and I use a gratitude journal to help remind me of that. I am thankful for my health, my job, the people in my support system who are truly angels in disguise.
-Gisele
I am thankful for my family and feel blessed we have remained healthy through this difficult year.
-Carrie
I am thankful for the blessing of God’s presence in my life every day. I am forever grateful for God’s guidance …his plan is always greater than anything I could ever imagine. Miracles do happen…believe and you will see…I am thankful for God’s miracles in my life.
-Pam
Happy Thanksgiving From All of Us To All of You!
