Thanksgiving Blog - Superintendent's Blog

Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence. — St. Pope John Paul II

Thanksgiving is a time where we reflect on our blessings and continue to be hopeful for what is to come.  This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for a return to a more normal way of life. Families are now able to get together once again, and many are looking forward to seeing loved ones this weekend.  I am certainly grateful to have my family at home this weekend!

Gratitude exists when we accept God’s gift of grace and when we use this gift to help others.  Over the last few years, we may have at times not embraced this gift because of the challenges that we faced.  It is our hope, however, that returns us to God and helps us recognize all that we have and should be grateful for.  This is more than being thankful for “things.”  True gratitude is recognizing and thanking God for all of the blessings he has given us.  Giving thanks gives us strength and feeds our soul.  Pope Francis shares that “Gratitude is always a powerful weapon. Only if we are able to contemplate and feel genuine gratitude for all those ways we have experienced God’s love, generosity, solidarity and trust, as well as his forgiveness, patience, forbearance and compassion, will we allow the Spirit to grant us the freshness that can renew our life and mission.”

Thanksgiving messages are always special to me as  it gives me the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for all my blessings. I am incredibly grateful to serve you and our jurisdiction and so very appreciative of your support. Please know that my thoughts will be with you and your family as we give thanks during this most special season of gratitude. 

Thanking God for blessing me with all of you,

Dr. Dwayne Zarichny