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The American celebration of Thanksgiving lasts but a day (or until all the turkey leftovers are gone). We often measure the importance of that celebration by how many of our loved ones could attend, the size of the turkey, or the appearance of our favorite casserole or pies. In other words, it’s about the meal – as it should be. On this holiday, we acknowledge that those blessings come from God.
Help your students see how their families’ Thanksgiving meal is a reminder of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Greek word “Eucharist” actually means “thanksgiving.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that, among other things, the Holy Eucharist is “an action of thanksgiving to God.”
The Eucharistic Prayer at Mass, which begins when the priest extends his arms and says, “The Lord be with you… lift up your hearts… let us give thanks to the Lord our God…” is the center and high point of the Mass. It is truly a thanksgiving prayer, the Church’s great “grace before meals.”
Prepare for Thanksgiving Day in the Classroom. Ask students to make a list of at least five things or people they are thankful for. Then ask, “What are we thanking God for when we go to Mass and receive Holy Communion?”
Engage Families. While it's not a Holy Day of Obligation, going to Mass is a meaningful way to start the Thanksgiving holiday. Once the turkey is in the oven, the cooks could have a few hours to spare.
The festive family meal lends itself to prayer at home, as well. Some families like to go around the table with each person saying what they're thankful for from the previous year. Send home this Prayer for Thanksgiving.
Families will also enjoy My Mass Book, a colorful tool for parents that includes tips for teaching about the meaning of the Mass.
Art Project. Some families like to include appropriate Scripture readings as they sit down to dinner and say grace before the meal. Dozens of Scripture verses highlight God's expectation of our thankfulness. Invite students to make and decorate place cards for the Thanksgiving table with Scripture verses that speak of gratitude and thankfulness. Some examples:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18. "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
- Psalm 86:12. "I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever."
- Philippians 4:6. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything…let your requests be made known to God."
- Psalm 106:1. "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Resources for Liturgical Catechesis. Your Blest Are We Faith in Action program includes a strong liturgical component in each grade level. The second chapter of each unit focuses on the liturgical prayer of the Church, including the Sacraments. In addition, the Hear and Believe section of these lessons usually includes text from the Mass or one of the rites.
About the AuthorDr. Lauri Przybysz specializes in equipping families to live their vocation to be domestic churches and signs of God’s love. Lauri received the Doctor of Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and she has been both a Catholic middle school religion teacher and a faith formation coordinator at the archdiocesan and parish levels. She is the mother of six children and grandmother of 21.
Product Highlights
My Mass Book
Recommended for children ages 6-9, this colorfully-illustrated and portable book helps children pray with the whole family of God at Mass and with their families in the Church of the home. It includes The Order of Mass, its prayers and responses, Catholic Prayers and Practices, including a visit to the church, symbols of the Church, the liturgical year, an examination of conscience, the Rosary, the Stations of the Cross, and other traditional Catholic prayers.
Our Family Prays 
Our Family Prays is a collection of rituals, blessings, prayers, and traditions meant to encourage and inspire Catholic families to keep prayer at the heart of their homes. It is organized by the seasons of the liturgical year and includes religious traditions and celebrations from around the world.