Dear Friends in Christ,
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to recall God’s blessings in our lives. The 125th anniversary gatherings held around the diocese and culminated with the LEGACY event in August gave us the opportunity to reflect on the many ways that the physical Church nourishes our lives and encourages us to persevere in faith. If you were unable to participate in the event or wish to remember the events, here are photos and more.
LEGACY was followed by Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. It was my privilege to represent you in being with him and to share my reflections in the Bishop’s Bulletin.
This weekend we will begin the blessed season of Advent, and on December 8 we will celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also inaugurate the Jubilee Year of Mercy. I invite you to explore the many resources available to help us enter into this Season of Advent and this Year of Mercy.
Giving thanks to God goes to the very heart of our faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. The word used for the gift of Jesus Himself under the appearance of bread and wine — Eucharist — means “thanksgiving”. As we gather together for Mass in our parish churches, we gather to give joyful thanks to our Father for the abundant blessings He has bestowed on us, above all the gifts of His Son and His Spirit.
As you gather this Thanksgiving with family and friends, I encourage you to reflect on the many ways that God has blessed your life and the diocese this year, and to give Him thanks for those blessings.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones.
Yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Paul J. Swain
Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls