Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,                

We know that our celebration of Thanksgiving this year will be very a different kind of holiday, one in which many of us will not be able to gather with our families. Sadly, for many this will only increase the sense of isolation and distance from loved ones, which has become part of the pandemic experience. This is why it is all the more important for me to be in contact with you, to express not only my support of you and your families, but my deep gratitude for your ongoing involvement through your generosity in the life of your parishes and the archdiocese. Your sacrifices over the past year have had an enormous impact, keeping hope alive in our parishes, schools and communities in need during this momentous time.

As faithful and faith-filled disciples of Christ, you have met discouragement with hope, want with bigheartedness and fear with love. In these days of the global pandemic and social unrest, Thanksgiving will be a moment for me to give thanks to God as I think about your willingness to partner with me to the benefit of those who serve on the front lines in our parishes and schools, in soup kitchens and counseling centers, on street corners and in prisons. You inspire me and give me hope.

On behalf of our communities suffering through this crisis, thank you for everything you are doing to provide care and support to one another. May you and your family have a blessed day on this Thanksgiving.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

 

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich
Archbishop of Chicago