Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! This year’s list of 10 things I am thankful for:

1. Holy Land Pilgrimage with family and parishioners — How many people are able to travel with their six of eight siblings to the Holy Land? I was a little afraid of what stories they might tell parishioners, but it seems that all parties have been having a great time. Picture below of my siblings, in-laws, and niece below!
2. Powerful intercession of the saints — I baptized a baby who only lived 5 hours whose parents and I always text on All Saints Day. This year, I responded to them that I was now praying to their son for an impossible intention. Being baptized, he is already in heaven as a fact of Catholic Doctrine). Within 2 hours of my saying that prayer, news broke on twitter that the impossibility I had prayed for was going to happen!
3. Veal Carpaccio – at one restaurant in Jerusalem we were served this! I know it is not a typical Mediterranean dish, but it is one of the best things I have ever eaten.
4. Hummus — In the Holy Land it is served at most every meal and is so rich and creamy!
5. Singing — my sisters seem to always break out in song. And St. Augustine said, “he who sings, prays twice.”
6. Five priests — really, not many parishes are so blessed as to have five priests, and while we are each very different, we each have unique gifts!
7. Your generosity — our recent coat drive was another example of your willingness to help your neighbor in need.
8. Small favors like favorable weather.
9. Big favors like good health.
10. The end of the pandemic.

Thanks be to God!

pax,

Father John Mosimann