Happy Thanksgiving from St. Patrick Catholic High School

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff:

As you gather around the Thanksgiving table, I hope that your family takes a moment to reflect upon what you are especially grateful for in your lives.  At St. Patrick Catholic High School, we are thankful for your commitment to discipleship, scholarship, and championship which includes your presence, prayers, and support of our school and school family.

Saint Ambrose is quoted with saying, “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.”  For centuries, holy people have praised God in thanksgiving, illustrated throughout the Bible and in the texts of the saints. Now, for many Americans, the word “thanksgiving” refers to a day in November when families and friends come together to delight in a nice juicy turkey with all the trimmings and watch some football, enjoy a nap, and plan the next day’s shopping experience. Yes, we may think to say grace before we eat the meal, but may we also always strive to look beyond what’s in front of us when giving thanks.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that originated in the colonial period, when, after surviving terrible winters, along with contagious illnesses and malnutrition, Pilgrims enjoyed their first plentiful harvest. After the first celebration, the tradition was commemorated in individual colonies and states until it was declared a national holiday during the Civil War.  In 1941, the fourth Thursday of November was formally declared Thanksgiving Day.  That year, President Roosevelt designated it “as a day to be observed in giving thanks to the Heavenly Source of our earthly blessings.”

So, even though Thanksgiving is not a liturgical holiday, let’s remember to find ways to show our gratitude to God – not only for the significant blessings in our lives, but for the little things as well.  “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

May you and your family have a happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving holiday filled with many blessings from our Heavenly Father!

Sincerely in the Lord,

Dr. Matt J. Buckley
Principal