Thanksgiving is clearly a civil holiday in the USA. And yet, for many of us still, thanks be to God, it takes on a religious significance.

Many of our Catholic faithful, either on Thanksgiving day itself, or on the eve of Thanksgiving, join together in the action that defines what Thanksgiving truly is – the celebration of the holy sacrifice of the Mass.

Yes, joining together with our families, friends and parish communities on Thanksgiving at holy Mass is and should be an essential part of our days. In the midst of the preparations for our feasts, in the midst of the traveling to see relatives and friends, perhaps we can try to make an extra effort this year to thank God for all the benefits that have been shared with us in the best way we know how as Catholics – by receiving the Substantial Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

No, Thanksgiving Day Mass is not a holy day of obligation, but it is a great way to concretely thank God for all the benefits that we have received in the past year by receiving Jesus Himself in the Eucharist.