On behalf of Msgr. Medley and parish staff, we wish to extend best wishes and blessings on Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day 2020 is unlike what we have experienced in our lifetime. Families throughout our nation have altered tradiƟons in a spirit of safety due to COVID-19.

We have been encouraged by medical professionals to keep the number of individuals at a gathering to a minimum. Reports indicate that small group gatherings are now causing the fastest growth of COVID-19. As a result, millions of families had to make a difficult choice to limit invitations to celebrate traditionally one of America’s favorite holidays.

While this is not the Thanksgiving Day that we ever thought we would experience in our lifetime—there is a ray of light at the end of this dark tunnel. Within the past ten days, we have heard about development from two pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer and Moderna’s. A vaccine may be available next month, depending on FDA approval, starting with those on the front lines. Praise God for the ingenuity of those who developed the vaccine that will save millions of lives and restore our economy, social fabric, and parish community.

Please express in a prayer of gratitude to medical researchers who devoted their scientific expertise and sacrificed their personal lives working seven days a week to create a vaccine that will restore and heal millions of individuals.

I am aware of those who will be mourning the loss of a loved one this Thanksgiving Day. The absence of a loved one is profoundly present during a holiday. Particularly when the holiday centers around a meal—that empty chair can be gut-wrenching. Be assured of our prayers on Thursday when we celebrate Mass.

As we enter the Season of Advent next Sunday, we seek and embrace the hope that this trial will pass.

May God continue to watch over you and protect you.

Father Brian