Thanksgiving has come and gone, but Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw is encouraging Catholics to make going to Mass a part of their Thanksgiving tradition for the future.

Gruss pointed out in a Facebook post on Thanksgiving that the word “eucharist,” which involves taking the holy sacrament of Communion, actually comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.” He said in his post that while eating turkey with family and cheering on the Detroit Lions in their football game are traditions among the congregation, he also asked that people consider making Thanksgiving Mass a tradition as well.

“The Mass is the greatest prayer of thanksgiving we have been given,” Gruss’ post said. “This highest form of thanksgiving is our prayer to the Father in union with Jesus. There is no better way to give thanks and praise to God the Father for the greatest gift of all, the gift of his only Son. Know that you and your family remain in my prayers. I will be offering my Thanksgiving Day Mass for all of you and your intentions. May the Lord bless you abundantly this day and may the peace and joy of Christ be with you always!”

Gruss added that the annual celebration of Thanksgiving is a great reminder to everyone to reflect on the blessings given by God. He thanked his congregation for the support of the church, its parishes and community organizations who have provided meals for those in need. 

“I am grateful for your generosity and care for the less fortunate, and certainly so is the Lord,” Gruss said.

Today’s Catholic reported that since Scripture contains words of praise and thanks to God throughout, Thanksgiving Day may not be a liturgical feast but the church has embraced the holiday.

According to Catholic World Report, few understand that Squanto, the Native American who aided the Pilgrims four centuries ago in Massachusetts, was a Roman Catholic. The report said that in 1614 he was captured by an English party led by Captain John Smith and was taken to Spain to be sold for slavery. 

He was then rescued by Dominican friars who instructed him in Catholicism. Squanto returned to America and became an interpreter between the Native Americans and English, and is credited for arranging the meal between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe which is the basis of today’s Thanksgiving.