From time to time, we will hear of the distinction between a holy day and a holiday. Holiday is an ancient way of saying “holy day.” They are the same. For Catholics, Holy Days refer to the five feasts that the Church holds up as of great significance, and which have the same level of solemnity as a Sunday, including the obligation to attend Mass. These are Christmas, the Solemnity of Mary, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, All Saints Day, and the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also considered a Holy Day but no longer having the requirement to attend Mass is the Ascension of the Lord.

Thanksgiving is the most honored of the holidays that we celebrate as Americans. Although there is no obligation to attend Mass on that day, many people choose to do so. We all know the story of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans celebrating the first Thanksgiving after the first harvest following the Pilgrims’ arrival in the New World.
   
As an American people we give thanks to God for this land which provides for us food and home. We also are aware of the blessing of liberty that we share. Individually we each have so many blessings that we are grateful for.
   
Thanksgiving reminds us that all that we possess, including our very selves, are gifts from God. Without His blessings none of us would be here.
   
We will spend time with family and others on this wonderful day, and we will eat way too much food and consume too much drink. Let us make sure to take time to thank God for all He has done for us.

Thanksgiving Day Mass is at 10 am.