Did you know that the word Eucharist literally means “Thanksgiving?” Indeed, the Greek word “eucharisteo” at the heart of our English word means “to give thanks.” Not only that, the Catechism says the Eucharist “is an act of thanksgiving to God” (1329) and words of thanks are sprinkled throughout much of the Mass. Although it’s not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics have a tradition of attending Mass together as a family at Thanksgiving to begin the day by thanking the One from whom all our blessings flow.
As Catholics, we know that prayer is a way of lifting our hearts, minds and souls to God. Prayer is “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2590, quoting St. John Damascene). Prayer connects us with our Creator, deepening our “vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” (CCC 2558). We pray whenever we have something to be thankful to God for – not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day. Visit our website for some prayers that might speak to your heart.