Giving thanks linked to Eucharist

The pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires and Our Lady of Angels parishes, both in Whitehall, pointed out that "Eucharist" is a Greek word meaning "thanksgiving"; and by celebrating the sacrament at Mass, Catholics have an opportunity to offer thanks to God.

"Thanksgiving is a national holiday, but it certainly fits with our Christian and Catholic tradition, in that our celebration of Eucharist, which is central to our faith, is always a celebration of thanksgiving," he said.

Several priests in the Albany Diocese shared their thoughts on Thanksgiving and the Eucharist with The Evangelist. They reminded Catholics of the importance of giving thanks not just on the holiday celebrated each November, but whenever they gather at Mass.

Rev. Peter Russo, temporary administrator of Holy Cross Church in West Taghkanic and pastor of St. Bridget's Church in Copake Falls, said that celebrating the Eucharist is synonymous with Thanksgiving, especially because Catholics receive the Eucharist every Sunday.

"That's why, in our tradition as Roman Catholics, it's so important that we gather around the table of the Lord and give thanks. It's something the Lord asked us to do, so we do it," he said.

He noted that the historical basis for Thanksgiving was the arrival of the pilgrims who were seeking freedom to worship in America. "The reason they came to this country was for religious freedom. They seemed to be religious people. The roots of the civil holiday are the recognition of God's gift of bounty and our giving thanks to God," he said.

Some Catholics have come to believe that Thanksgiving is a holy day of obligation, Father Russo noted. While this is not the case, he appreciates "the fact that we have a day dedicated to giving thanks. It's a day set aside to reflect on the fact that God has blessed us and we should give thanks."

Rev. William Gaffigan, pastor of Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Canajoharie, said that Thanksgiving enables Catholics to gather as a parish family in the Eucharist and as a family with relatives.

"In general, the Mass is thanks-giving. We're always giving thanks through the Mass. With Thanksgiving Day dinner, we're expressing our love and concern for one another," he said.

The sense of thanksgiving promoted during the holiday is nice, but it shouldn't be the only occasion when Catholics give thanks, Father Gaffigan remarked, noting: "It's the one time of the year that people give thanks to God and for their family. I think there's been a big erosion of giving thanks to God through the Mass, the table of the Lord. That's where we give thanks every day, not just one day of the year."

Rev. Leo Potvin, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Dolgeville and St. John the Baptist Church in Newport, thinks "it would be ideal if all Catholics would begin the day in church by celebrating the Eucharist and thanking God for the many blessings that He bestows upon us."

He also believes families should be present to one another on Thanksgiving and not get caught up in the usual holiday routine. "I would like to see families spending the day together to share their lives with one another, rather than the men watching football all day or the women going to the shopping center with the children," he said.

Father Cronin emphasized that celebrating the Eucharist and giving thanks go together, and Catholics have much to be thankful for as believers. "This is what we give thanks for: the salvation won for us in the sacrifice of Christ, the incarnation of Christ at Christmas, the resurrection and vindication of Christ at Easter," he said. "God is so generous in giving us the constant presence of Christ, the constant support of our faith. We just take it for granted."

Sharing in the Eucharist before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner with family is a good way for Catholics to begin their holiday celebration, Father Cronin said.

"For us as Catholics, giving thanks means being united to the Eucharist, that great act of Thanksgiving that Jesus offered to the Father, It's so appropriate that we begin the day by joining in the Eucharist, the bread of life. We come away from the Lord's table filled, challenged, nourished and blessed," he said.

(11-26-98) [[In-content Ad]]