ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS WITH THANKS IN BETWEEN

      The month of November is quickly coming to an end. Today is the Feast of Christ the King which is the last Sunday of our liturgical calendar year. Thursday is Thanksgiving and by the end of the week the month of November is over. December 1st is the beginning of a new liturgical year, the First Sunday of Advent.

      The Feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 by Pope Pius XI. The scriptures show Jesus as a different type of King. He is likened to a Good Shepherd. He is described as the humble servant of God. His throne is the cross upon which he is crucified. Pope Pius XI was responding to a culture he felt was rejecting Jesus and his ways. At a time when Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin were rising to power, Pius XI wanted to draw the world's attention back to Jesus the only one who could bring lasting peace. Jesus' mission was unlike that of any other king. His mission was to save us, not conquer us.

Thanksgiving is a day set aside for us to give thanks to God for his many blessings of love and his infinite goodness for us. We are reminded to share the blessings we have received with those around us, especially those who are not as blessed as we may be. Even though Thanksgiving is a secular holiday, it is made holy when we gather to give thanks to God and when we gather with family and friends to celebrate our blessings. Thanksgiving should make everyday holy for us. Join us for our Thanksgiving celebration of the Eucharist Thursday, November 28th at 10:00 a.m. to begin this day of thanks and truly make it a holy occasion.

Next Sunday is the beginning of Advent, our four week preparation for the celebration of the Birth of Christ. The Advent Season  this year begins with  the 51st annual Weihnachtsmesse at our 11:00 a.m. Mass next Sunday preceded by a concert of traditional carols beginning at 10:30 a.m.

This becomes a busy time of year for everyone. Let us not forget to take time to enjoy the season and the festivities it offers.