During the COVID lock-down I watched a video thing a priest made and remember him teaching us to start our day, right as we wake up, by making the Sign of the Cross this way: Thank You Father, Thank You Son, Thank You Holy Spirit, amen.

Then he said to take a moment to think of all the things from the day before that you’d like to thank God for.

That was six years ago, and I am still blessed by doing that every morning as I wake up.

This morning I let out a joyful “Wooooo hooooo” after thanking God.

Sunday and Monday Elementary Faith Formation Sessions, OCIA,

Adult Bible Series, First Reconciliations, the honor of being a teen’s Confirmation Sponsor…I am filled with joy.

I love the Catechists I get to serve with.

I love seeing our families sharing warm hellos and smiles.

I love hearing the stories of adults growing in their relationship with Jesus and His Church.

I love seeing the excitement in those of us participating in the Bible Series as we grow in understand all that the Word of God contains.

I love being with teens, especially one I’ve known since he was born.

I smiled as I thanked God for so many blessings.

We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

That Scripture verse is something Saint Paul wrote about people who he shared the story of Jesus with and were growing in their faith. It is from this coming Sunday’s Second Reading and it made me think of you all.

I hope you know that your Catechist and I thank God for you.

We keep you in our prayers daily.

When a moment is challenging may you find endurance through Jesus’ love for you.

I hope you and our children each know that you were lovingly chosen by God to be His daughter or son, created in His image.

I am smiling again thinking about all of you and am again thanking God for the blessing of you.

Be blessed through a thankful heart!