Thanksgiving – A Time for Family, Friends, and Faith — Musings From a Catholic Bookstore

Thanksgiving is on November 27, a day to be with friends, family, and to give thanks to God for all He’s given us.

Like many other holidays, the American holiday of Thanksgiving has come to be seen by many as nothing more than a day of food and friends, surrounded by days of big sales at the mall. But a look back at the history of this nation confirms it was indeed established as a day for giving thanks to God. In 1621, Governor Bradford of the Plymouth colony appointed a day for public praise and prayer after the first harvest, and the practice spread throughout the other New England colonies. Official national observance came later, through decrees by Presidents Washington and Lincoln:

“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country.”

- President George Washington, October 1789

“It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.”

- President Abraham Lincoln, October 1863

This year, while you spend time with family and friends, remember to set aside time to give thanks and praise to God, as He is always due. The holiday is rooted in the history of America, and not Catholic tradition, but there is never a bad time to offer thanks to God.

2009 Calendars are here!

2009 Saints Calendar and Daily Planner

Now is a great time to get your 2009 calendars! Beautiful wall calendars, desk calendars, and daily planners can all be found at Aquinas and More, at competitive prices.

2009 God’s Universe Calendar

Order today – they make beautiful gifts, and you can get a chunk of your Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving!

Blessings of the Table: Mealtime Prayers Throughout the Year Only $14.95 Author: Br. Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette	Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers Only $34.95 Author: USCCB
Giving Thanks Catholic Dinner Taper Candles Only $7.95 100% Pure Beeswax, 1/2in. x 11in.	A Continual Feast Only $19.95 Author: Evelyn Birge Vitz
Meal Prayers Holy Card Only $0.75	Family Prayer Holy Card Only $0.75
Building Catholic Family Traditions Only $9.95 Author: Paul and Leisa Thigpen	Cooking with the Saints Only $34.95 Author: Ernst Schuegraf

Advent will be here before you know it! Don’t let it sneak up on you: buy your Advent candles and wreaths now so they’re sure to be at your home in time for the beginning of Advent!

As I Light This Flame I Lay Myself Before Thee Advent Wreath

Our Advent calendars are all available now, as well. We have many options: calendars with just Bible verses, calendars with chocolate, calendars with stickers, and more.

O Holy Night Chocolate Advent Calendar

Look at all our Advent and Christmas supplies here, where we have books, ornaments, Christmas cards, CDs and DVDs, and more.

Our DVD recommendation this week is perfect for the whole family to sit down and watch together after your Thanksgiving meal:

The Bells of St. Mary’s

In this beloved classic starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, Crosby plays a priest newly assigned to St. Mary’s, which, with the help of its principal (Bergman), is fighting to stay open. This heartwarming comedy will be sure to entertain everyone in your family.

It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity.

Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.

Submission to authority and co-responsibility for the common good make it morally obligatory to pay taxes, to exercise the right to vote, and to defend one’s country:

Pay to all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

[Christians] reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. . . They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws… So noble is the position to which God has assigned them that they are not allowed to desert it.

The Apostle exhorts us to offer prayers and thanksgiving for kings and all who exercise authority, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way.”

- Catechism of the Catholic Church 2239-2240

Activities to keep the kids busy

Make Your Own Christmas Nativity Only $8.95 Author: Clare Beaten	Advent Coloring Book Only $2.00 Author: Michael Goode
Jesse Tree Kit Only $10.95 Author: Betsy Walter, Lynn Simms	Spiritual Bouquet of Prayer Petal Flowers Craft Kit Only $9.50
Everyday Graces – A Child’s Book of Manners Only $25.00 Author: Karen Santorum	A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families Only $22.50 Author: Monica McConkey

Don’t forget to visit our Clearance Sale! With books, videos, beautiful olive wood gifts, medals, and more, it’s a great place to find a variety of Catholic goods for yourself or someone else.

Young Angel with Violin Olive Wood Statue – 33% off!

These items, discounted up to 60% off, won’t be back in stock once they’re gone, so go check them out today while you still can!

Good Marriages Don’t Just Happen – 60% off!

Let Us Pray

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

O God, of Whose mercies there is no number,

and of Whose goodness the treasure is infinite;

we render thanks to Your most gracious majesty

for the gifts You have bestowed upon us,

evermore beseeching Your clemency,

that as You grant the petitions of them that ask You,

You will never forsake them,

but will prepare for the reward to come.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Shop online at www.catholicchurchsupply.com for all your parish’s church supply needs, including vestments, altar linens, censers and boats, incense, candles, chalices, sanctuary lamps, altar breads, lavabo sets, altar bells, and plenty more!

Click here to learn more about the custom parish website design service we now offer. If you’re a Catholic parish in the United States and are looking to improve or set up your website, this service was made for you!

Catholic Church Supply’s collection of clergy shirts is one of the largest you can find, including shirts from a variety of brands. We also carry a lovely selection of sacramental certificates for baptisms, weddings, first communion, RCIA, confirmation, and reconciliation.

If you’re looking for communion hosts, liturgical books, or a variety of church furniture, Catholic Church Supply is the place to go.

It’s time to start thinking about Advent! Catholic Church Supply has Advent wreaths and candles and now is the perfect time to get them. Check your Advent candle supply today to make sure you’re stocked up for the season!

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