A season of gratitude: Giving thanks in the Diocese of Erie

By Allison Mosier

10/30/2025

The month of November brings a season of thanks — a time to pause, reflect and recognize the countless blessings that fill our lives. Throughout this month, the Diocese of Erie invites you to join us in a shared expression of gratitude as we celebrate faith, family and community during this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Each week in November, we will be sharing reflections and posts that remind us of God’s abundant goodness on our social media pages. We encourage you to join in by sharing your own stories and prayers of thanksgiving — moments that have touched your heart, blessings you have received or the ways you have seen God’s mercy at work in your life.

Consider sharing things like:

A prayer of thanksgiving for the people who have guided you in faith
An act of mercy or service that brought you joy
A parish tradition or family custom that deepens your gratitude
A simple moment where you felt God’s presence in your daily life

This is a time to lift up our voices in thanks for all who serve and strengthen our church — our clergy, lay leaders, women religious, parish volunteers and faithful families who continue to live the Gospel across our 13 counties. Together, their dedication and witness remind us that gratitude is not only spoken, but lived.

As Thanksgiving approaches, may we open our hearts in prayer and generosity, remembering that every act of mercy is a reflection of Christ’s love. Share your blessings and help us spread the Good News! Invite others to Mass this season, extend kindness to a neighbor and let your gratitude shine as a sign of faith.

This month also offers a meaningful opportunity to take part in the Jubilee Holy Year of Hope. The Holy Year will draw to a close in December, and we warmly invite you to participate before it concludes. Visit your parish or make a pilgrimage to one of the designated Holy Year sites within the Diocese of Erie. It’s a beautiful way to offer thanks, seek renewal and grow closer to Christ as we prepare for the coming of Advent.

As we move toward the first Sunday of Advent on November 30, let us take time to prepare not only our homes but also our hearts. In gratitude and hope, may we find new strength to live as witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.

To learn more about the Holy Year, pilgrimage sites and ways to participate, visit https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.