Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In the Gospel proclaimed on Thanksgiving Day, we hear the story of Jesus healing the 10 lepers. And while we might remember the nine who went on their way and did not return, the message for us today is to deeply consider the example of the 10th leper — the Samaritan — who returned to give thanks to God for the gift of healing he received.
Sometimes our busy lives get in the way of the realization that we need to give thanks. These 10 had the same experience with our Lord, but only one responded differently than the rest. Had the Samaritan not returned, he would have missed Jesus’ blessing for the restoration of his soul. It is gratitude that paves the way to blessing for both the body and soul. May we never forget to give thanks to God for the many gifts He provides to us.
This is a challenging time for our nation and our world. As we gather around the table of faith in our churches and homes this Thanksgiving Day, may we do so with a renewed sense of gratefulness for the gifts we have received from Almighty God and, in a particular way, for the gift of life itself.
We pray this Thanksgiving that our merciful God fill our hearts with compassion and gratitude that we might always recognize the good things we have received and work to glorify Him by the generous spirit we impart.
As we enter into the holiday season, it is with great joy and hope that I extend to you and your family best wishes for a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
With these sentiments, I gratefully impart my priestly blessing.
Commending you to the tender heart of Our Lady of Prompt Succor and to St. Louis IX, King of France, patrons of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, I remain
Sincerely in the Lord,
Reverend Father Robert T. Cooper
Pastor
Fr. Cooper will celebrate a special Thanksgiving Vigil Mass on Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM with the traditional blessing and distribution of Bread and Wine.
There will be a 7:30 AM Mass on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 24th.
Thanksgiving Day is a special time to remember the blessings we have received from God, so that we can be a more thankful people every day. The reasons for having grateful hearts make up a long litany: the gift of life itself, faith in a God who loves us and is very near to us, good health, loving family, caring friends, opportunities to serve, food on our tables, roofs over our heads. Yes, we have our times of doubt, our worries and anxieties, our aches and pains, our family conflicts, and our economic struggles. But despite all the challenges during 2022, we are incredibly blessed!
The Parish Office will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen on Monday, November 28th at 10:00 AM.
The Adoration Chapel will be open on Thanksgiving Day.