Modeling the Real Presence through prayer and deeds

Did you know that the Eucharist and celebrating Thanksgiving Day are connected? The Greek word eucharistia literally translates to “thanksgiving.” There is no better way to show thanks to God than attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the Holy Eucharist is “an action of thanksgiving to God” (CCC 1360). In fact, we give thanks to God at each Mass during the Eucharistic prayer when the priest says, “Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God,” and we reply in affirmation, “It is right and just.”

As we continue our three-year journey of Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese of Fargo, it’s imperative that we recognize the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and to thank him for sacrificing himself so we can obtain salvation through the partaking of his body and blood, soul and divinity.

We can model our gratefulness to God by giving thanks for the gifts he bestows on us daily. A prayer of thanksgiving when waking up in the morning, prayers of thanksgiving at mealtime, and grateful prayers at the end of the day are just some examples how we can outwardly show our gratitude and closeness to God.

As a nation, we have a day set aside to be thankful for all of the blessings we receive. Thanksgiving Day, established by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, is marked traditionally with feasting and gathering with family and friends. However, many organizations and churches across the country have made it a tradition to show gratitude by serving others in need. One of the longest-running such traditions of service in the Diocese of Fargo takes place in West Fargo each Thanksgiving Day at Blessed Sacrament Church.

Since 1978, the parish has offered a traditional Thanksgiving meal every year to those who may be alone, have nowhere else to go, or otherwise are unable to access a meal. Due to COVID-19, there was no sit-down dinner in 2020. However, 400 meals were provided to the Meals on Wheels of Fargo/Moorhead. The event serves on average about 850 meals, but some years that has increased to nearly 2,000. There is no charge for the meals, but a free-will donation basket is set out for anyone to donate. Money left over is donated to the parish “Poor Fund.”

The day starts with Thanksgiving Day Mass. The altar at Blessed Sacrament is decorated in traditional Thanksgiving flair. For many parishioners, the Mass is the actual highlight of the day.

“Even before the meal begins, the parish appropriately celebrates Mass, also called the ‘Eucharist,’” said Father Gary Luiten, pastor of Blessed Sacrament. “’Eucharist’ is a word which means ‘thanksgiving.’ This is not only a spiritual meal but is the perfect sacrifice of Jesus to the Father, to whom we join ourselves in thanksgiving to feed our spirits.” 

After Mass, it’s all hands on deck for the dozens of volunteers. In fact, many have been busy preparing the meal for several days.

“It is hard to estimate the total number of volunteers that come and help us,” said Mary Beth Odegaard, administrative assistant at Blessed Sacrament parish. “Typically we have about 30 or more helping in the preparation, like cooking and carving turkeys, cubing and drying the bread for stuffing, setting up the dining area, making the stuffing, rolling the silverware, etc. On Thanksgiving Day we’ll have 50 or more volunteers throughout the day.”

Volunteering is one way parishioners show their gratitude during the event. But it’s not just those who attend Blessed Sacrament that come to lend a helping hand. Volunteers come from around the Fargo/Moorhead metro area and even farther.

“We’ve had people from Minot, relatives of parishioners from Oregon, Texas, and South Carolina,” said Odegaard. “We’ve had Boy Scout troops and their parents and college students. At this point, it’s through word-of-mouth that we get our volunteers.”

The parish makes the meal available to anyone who wants to partake, but they also provide meals for those who can’t attend. Each year meals are provided to the West Fargo police, fire and ambulance service personnel who are on duty that day, and Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead for their evening meal. The parish once did home deliveries but had to stop a few years ago when volunteers were difficult to find to make the deliveries. However, the parish does provide food for the Meals on Wheels program in the area.

The meal is financed partially through food purchased by the church itself, including ingredients for coleslaw, along with dinner rolls, and some canned goods. But the remaining parts of the meal, especially the turkeys, are provided through the generosity of parishioners and the outside community. This year, Blessed Sacrament expects to cook about 80 turkeys to meet the day’s demands. Diners may have their meal at the church or bring their meal home to enjoy. Many large families attend to have their Thanksgiving meal together. No one is turned away.

“There is nothing like a Blessed Sacrament Thanksgiving,” said Odegaard. “The atmosphere is one of blessings. Those giving of themselves to provide and to serve others are happy to be in that position. Those who come to eat with us or take their meal home to eat are grateful and thankful. It’s a great day!”

This year’s meal will be served on Nov 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, located at 210 5th Ave West in West Fargo. Donations are accepted by calling the church at (701) 282-3321. If you are unable to volunteer your time, a donation may just be a way you can show thankfulness for the blessing in your life by helping others.

“Even before we begin serving the turkey dinner to the public, we have already begun to live in the spirit of the day,” said Father Luiten. “We hope to serve many people on Thanksgiving. But I always say that if for some reason nothing else gets done other than Mass, it’s still been a good day.”

Additional churches in the Diocese of Fargo with Thanksgiving programs:

• St. Mary’s Church, with its ecumenical partners in Park River and Rural Walsh County, conducts a food drive during November culminating at the ecumenical Thanksgiving service on Nov. 23, 7 p.m., at St. Mary’s in Park River.
• St. Michael’s Church in Grand Forks collects gifts and prepares a food basket for families in the parish who could use a little extra help during Christmas. The program is well underway during the Thanksgiving season, which inspires folks to help others who are in need. Although Christmas is a joyful time, it can be difficult for some. This really is a Thanksgiving event directed to Christmas.
• St. Boniface Church in Lidgerwood provides a Thanksgiving meal to those in need in the community on Thanksgiving Day.