As Thanksgiving approaches, we are given a special opportunity to gather with our loved ones and reflect on the blessings we often overlook in our day-to-day lives. Although its origins are not strictly Catholic, the essence of Thanksgiving—offering thanks to God for His gifts—resonates deeply with our faith. For Catholics, this holiday is an ideal time to live gratitude more fully, integrating the Eucharist, family time, and acts of service.
Giving Thanks to God through the Eucharist
In the Catholic tradition, the deepest act of gratitude is the Eucharist. The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek eukaristein, which means “thanksgiving.” Every time we participate in Mass, we renew our gratitude toward God and remember that our whole life should be a continuous expression of thanksgiving.
Before the well-known 1621 celebration in Plymouth, there are records of a Catholic “thanksgiving” in the United States: in 1598, Don Juan de Oñate celebrated a thanksgiving Mass in Texas. This shows that, although Thanksgiving is not officially part of the Catholic liturgical calendar, it has special significance for the Catholic community in the United States.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with Family
Thanksgiving is also a beautiful time to reconnect and share with family. In our fast-paced world, Thanksgiving invites us to slow down and appreciate our loved ones. Here are some ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with a focus on faith:
A Family Prayer of Thanksgiving: Before dinner, gather as a family to pray together and give thanks for each blessing. You could use Psalm 100, which is a beautiful expression of gratitude:“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the Lord is God; He made us, and we belong to Him. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures for all generations.”
Or you could have each family member share something they are grateful for, fostering unity and faith.
Sharing Stories of Faith and Gratitude: Take this time to remember moments when God has worked in your lives. It can be a beautiful opportunity for parents or grandparents to pass on stories of faith to younger generations.
Being Present with Loved Ones: The heart of Thanksgiving is being present. Set aside distractions and focus on enjoying each moment together, strengthening family bonds and creating meaningful memories.
If you’d like to explore ideas on how to live an active faith as a family, our Intentional Catholic Parenting Series offers resources that can help you bring faith into the home.
Sharing Our Blessings as an Act of Gratitude
Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles reminds us that Thanksgiving is a special opportunity to serve those in need. Many parishes organize meals or food drives for the less fortunate. Offering our time and resources to others is a powerful way to express our gratitude to God.
This Thanksgiving, consider making an act of service. You could donate food, volunteer at your parish, or visit someone who may be alone during the holiday. Each small act of charity is a way to bring our faith into action.
Living in Gratitude and Reflecting on Our Spiritual Gifts
Thanksgiving is also a wonderful occasion to recognize the spiritual gifts God has entrusted to us. Reflect on how you can use patience, love, teaching, or compassion to serve others. Recognizing and giving thanks for these gifts is a way to live in gratitude to God, who provides us with everything we need to fulfill His purpose.
The Charism Inventory for Catholics is a helpful tool for discovering and understanding these spiritual gifts. You can learn more about this resource here.
Family Prayer of Thanksgiving
End your Thanksgiving celebration with a prayer together as a family. Here’s a suggestion to bring everyone together in gratitude:
“Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for the abundant blessings You have given us. Help us live with a grateful heart, always remembering Your love and generosity. May we share our blessings with others, and may our lives be an offering of thanksgiving to You each day. Amen.”
To enhance your family’s prayer, consider adding this verse from Psalm 136, which celebrates God’s faithful love:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1-3)
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