Thanksgiving weekend, 2008, is almost here. It’s time for memories and sentiments of appreciation. 25 years ago during Thanksgiving weekend I was making my spiritual retreat in preparation for ordination to the episcopacy on Dec. 13. In so many ways, it seems like yesterday. In other ways, it has been a long, challenging but satisfying journey.

Our annual Thanksgiving Day is fast approaching. People of faith across this land count their blessings as we thank God for his providential care in our homes, in our communities and in this great nation. But when we count our blessings we can’t help but think of those who are not so generously blessed.

The American bishops will be meeting at their annual fall general assembly in Baltimore from Nov. 10 -12. We gather as members of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), an assembly of Catholic bishops from the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together we exercise certain pastoral functions on behalf of United States Catholics.

Whenever we recite the Apostles’ Creed, we profess our belief in the communion of saints. What are we saying? We are saying that we really believe that we are united in Christ with all our sisters and brothers here on earth and all those who have died. This unity of faith and charity is achieved especially through our participation in the Eucharist.

On Friday, Oct. 24, Mount Angel Seminary and The Abbey Foundation of Oregon are presenting the fifth annual Seminary Benefit Dinner. Mount Angel Seminary, located in Marion County, is the largest seminary in these western United States. The seminary provides priestly formation for four religious orders and 31 dioceses.

Back in 1822 a young French laywoman, Pauline Jaricot, was inspired by stories she heard about missionary work in China. As a result she felt called by the Lord to help our church’s worldwide missionary work. She herself never traveled to missionary lands but she encouraged people to pray daily for the missions and sacrifice a penny-a-week (Remember!

Two years ago Pope Benedict XVI announced that he was calling for a world synod of bishops to be held in Rome this month. The bishops from around the world who have been chosen to represent their peers are discussing the theme: “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” The most recent synod was held in 2005 when the bishops focused on the Eucharist in the life of the church.

On New Year’s Eve last year Pope Benedict XVI gave a homily in which he described a lack of hope and trust in life as an “obscure evil” of modern Western society. Every year October is Respect Life month in Catholic communities across the United States.

Pope Benedict XVI is certainly doing his part to help us observe this historic year dedicated to the witness and teachings of St. Paul the Apostle. On Aug. 29, the pope’s second book of spiritual thoughts was published. It was entitled Saint Paul, a book featuring quotes and reflections about Paul from our Holy Father.

As many of you know, here in Portland we are blessed with a beautiful 62-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden called The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother. We more commonly refer to it as The Grotto. The shrine is administered by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. Father Jack Topper, OSM, heads the very competent and welcoming staff.