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A Catholic Approach to Thanksgiving

November 23, 2025 by stpetercarthage

celebrating thanksgiving as catholics

During the week of Thanksgiving, Mass will be held Monday at 5pm, Thursday at 9am, and Friday at 8am.

A Catholic Approach to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving offers a beautiful moment to pause, breathe, and recognize the blessings God places in our lives each day. While the holiday itself isn’t a liturgical feast, Catholics naturally find deep spiritual meaning in a day centered around gratitude—because thanksgiving lies at the very heart of our faith.

The Eucharist: Our Highest Act of Thanksgiving

The word Eucharist comes from the Greek eucharistia, meaning “thanksgiving.” Every Mass is an act of offering thanks to God for His goodness, mercy, and love made visible in Christ’s sacrifice. Many Catholics choose to begin their Thanksgiving Day by attending Mass, grounding the celebration in the ultimate gift we’ve been given.

We will be holding Mass on Thanksgiving Day at 9am – see you there!

Begin With Prayer

Starting the morning with a prayer of gratitude helps set the tone for the day. Whether it’s a quiet moment alone or a family prayer before the meal, offering thanks to God reminds us that every good thing—big or small—flows from Him.

Share Your Blessings

Thanksgiving naturally invites reflection. Consider taking time to name the blessings of the past year, share stories of God’s faithfulness, or simply acknowledge the ways He has been present in your life and your family. Gratitude opens the heart and strengthens relationships.

A Spirit of Gratitude That Lasts

Thanksgiving doesn’t end when the table is cleared. A grateful heart is something we’re called to carry into every season. By celebrating Thanksgiving with a Catholic spirit—rooted in the Eucharist, grounded in prayer, and overflowing with gratitude—we allow the day to form us more deeply as disciples.

May this Thanksgiving draw you closer to God and to one another.
Blessings to you and your family!

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Posted in: Community Events, Mass Tagged: Catholic Church, catholic mass times, Smith County, Thanksgiving church schedule
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Upcoming Events

  • Our Sunday Readings Bible Study - every Wednesday at 6pm - join the Knights of Columbus as we dive into the Sunday Mass readings to better understand scripture and the homily. Bring your friends and family!
  • All Day Adoration - Friday, July 3rd - sign ups available in the church entrance but feel free to drop in as well (Start your month in the presence of Jesus!)
  • Weekday Masses - Mondays at 5pm, Wednesdays at 5pm, Fridays at 8am (subject to change!)

Past Events

  • Parish Potluck Picnic - Sunday, June 14th after Mass - Enjoy food, fellowship, a cake walk, and fun games at our Parish Potluck Picnic! Burgers, brats, and hot dogs will be provided. Please sign up in the back of church to bring a cake, side dish, dessert, or drinks.
  • Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - We invite you to join us in praying a Novena to the Sacred Heart from June 3–11. Together with Catholics throughout the United States, we will prepare spiritually for this special act of entrustment and conclude the novena on June 11th with the bishops' consecration of our nation.We will have handouts with the novena prayer at the back of the church so you can participate as individuals or with your families or you can find the prayer here.
  • Mary Garden Blessing and Crowning - meet us in the Mary Garden directly after the 9am Mass on May 31st Father Don will bless our Mary statue as we crown her. To show that this prayer garden is for everyone, we will have ribbons for people to write their favorite verse on then tie to the fence. Donuts and coffee will be served in the Hall after the ceremony.
  • National Day of Prayer - pray with us on May 7th at 6pm in front of the old courthouse (211 Main St N, Carthage, TN 37030)
  • Spring Fling Dinner - join us Saturday May 2nd for Mass at 5pm and head over to the hall for dinner at 6pm. Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary, plates are $10 and kids eat free! There will be BBQ, a loaded potato bar, drinks, homemade desserts, and fellowship.
  • Valentine's Day Dinner - enjoy an Italian dinner and dessert after the Saturday evening Mass on February 14th! Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary and the Knights of Columbus, plates are $10 per person and everyone is welcome! Please RSVP on the form at the church entrance.
  • Youth Faith Formation Kick-off Workshop - February 7th at 10am - if you have a child in the church please come with your ideas to start our faith formation. The goal is to have faith formation in place by September of this year. 
St. Peter the Apostle Church
208 Upper Ferry Rd, Carthage TN
615-281-8327

Join us and help us embrace a future bright with God's promise and potential!

Fr. Don Tranel, Pastor

208 Upper Ferry Rd, Carthage, TN
615-281-8327

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