Dear Holy Spirit Community and Friends:

2020 is one of the most unforgettable years in human history because of the global pandemic.  We have lost millions of lives and we continue to grapple with the pandemic.  We continue to be sheltered in place, practice social distancing, wear mask, and are encouraged to avoid gathering in crowds.

With the holidays upon us this is quite a challenge.  We were used to gathering with family and friends.  Airports, bus terminals, freeways and yes even the malls were busy during these times.  But this year has given us a big pause from what we have been accustomed to.  It has allowed us to practice once again a more meaningful existence.  It gave us the opportunity to reach out to other people.  Families eat together even more, parents have more time to be at home with their children. We have phoned or have sent messages to someone we have not heard from for a long time.  And yes, we also have found time to reflect on our relationship with our God.

It is very easy to focus on what we can’t do right now.  But many aspects of the Thanksgiving holiday can still happen in a healthier reimagined way.    We can still prepare the Turkey and have a meal with our family (those of the same household).  With the help of modern technology, we can virtually celebrate the holiday with our relatives and friends, have a meal together and share our stories.   We can still choose to donate to some charities to enable others to celebrate the holiday.  Oh yes, we can still observe Black Friday by doing everything on-line. In fact, this will be less stressful, no long lines at the register, no waking up early, no hassling and wrestling with parking and traffic.  We can do everything from the comfort of our homes.

My point is, although this has been a very confining year, our creativity to transcend our unexpected and imposed limitations is a positive proof that we are putting our energy into something more tangible than material things and the unnecessary and stressful busyness attached to them.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank you for welcoming me to the Parish of Holy Spirit.  I appreciate your warmth and kindness.  Despite the uniqueness of this transition, you have made it easy for me.  I am also very grateful for your generous support of our parish.  Your generosity enables us to continue the work of the Lord in this beautiful Almaden Valley. Thank you!

As we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday, I join you in prayer in thanking our God for the blessings we have received. As we gather around our thanksgiving table and share stories let us remember that God continues to journey with us.  God does not abandon us. God lives with us. God is with us.  This is worth celebrating and giving thanks!

I’d like to invite all of you to join me and Fr. Edgar either virtually or in person (please go to sign up.com), on Thursday, November 26 at 9:00am to celebrate the Eucharist, the great prayer of Thanksgiving, to give thanks for the gift of our Parish Community. This is our way of saying Thank You to our God!

On behalf of Fr. Edgar, the parish staff, Mr. Greg Vohs and the school staff, I’d like to wish all of you a safe, blessed, and Happy Thanksgiving.

God bless,
Fr. Ritche