Thanksgiving during COVID19

Whenever we feel overwhelmed by the troubles of life, we can always turn to God in prayer for peace and serenity. In this time of COVID19 when uncertainty, fear, seclusion and separation surrounds us, our human solution is to think that we can handle it ourselves. But that is not what the Lord Jesus tells us as His disciples. Turning to Him should be our first response, not our last resort.

In Philippians 4:6, St. Paul tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” COVID-19 is a bad thing, but there are good gifts that God can bring even from this which surely is a reason to be more THANKFUL to Him this Thanksgiving Day. Especially when we are advised to be extra cautious about gatherings.

So, as I think about my own life, and maybe this is true for you, through COVID-19, I have been reminded that I do not control my life. COVID-19 has shown me that I am utterly and completely dependent on the living God. If I think I am in control of things, I know now that is merely a pleasant illusion.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans: 8:18.

So let me echo what I said at the installation last Saturday, November 14, “Together you, as community of Saint Bartholomew, and as your new pastor, let us encourage each other to continue on our spiritual journey. Uniting with the mission of Christ, we are learning to form a relationship that will enable us to be open to where God wants to lead us.”

I wish you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving.

God Bless,
Fr. Senic

This month we also want to call out our Archdiocesan Annual Appeal. Help us get to our goal! The theme for this year’s Archdiocesan Annual Appeal is  "Use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace." (1 Peter 4:10).  By responding to God's call to stewardship and grace, and participating in the Annual Appeal, we are collectively able to support such varied and critical needs as parish ministries, youth and young adult ministry, our schools, priestly formation, ministering to the poor, social ministries, and the greater Church, among others.