Special Mass of Thanksgiving ~ by Ronnie Archer

Once again, our St. Elizabeth Parish was blessed with a beautiful, spirit-filled and joyful celebration. We were honored to have Bishop Francis X. DeLorenzo as our presider, with Monsignor Walter Barrett concelebrating our Mass of Thanksgiving. There were many invited guests and benefactors, as well as many other visitors in attendance.

Barbara Vaughan began our celebration by reading a letter welcoming and thanking all who contributed in any way to make this celebration possible; especially our invited guests. The faith in God and commitment of our own members, and the help, love and generosity of others, made this celebration possible.

The Liturgy Committee and others who helped in the planning did a superb job of the entire Liturgy, beginning with the choir leading the procession to the song, "Every Day is a Day of Thanksgiving." The readings were proclaimed by Mary Ann Allen and Shelton Jones.

Bishop DiLorenzo began his homily with the phrase, "the roof caved in" ...sometimes literally, as with our church; and sometimes, metaphorically, in our lives, such as the Virginia Tech incident. Whatever the circumstances, we can get through it with faith; realizing that God is with us through it all.

Bishop DiLorenzo had very positive comments about our community, saying what a warm and welcoming place it is whenever he has come. He said that when our ceiling fell, there were probably some who felt that, "oh well, might as well close it down," but with faith in God, and the help of other communities and the commitment of our own people, we were blessed to be back in our sanctuary. Bishop DiLorenzo also told us that evangelization is very important. That is one thing we still can do, because there probably are some Catholics in the community who have left. Maybe all a person might need is someone to call and invite them.

After Communion, Barbara Vaughan recognized and gave a gift of appreciation to the renovation committee for all of their commitment and dedication to this project. Also those who had helped in other ways, like Roland Smith and Vincent Gray, who were recognized as well, and given a gift of appreciation.

The songs chosen could not have been more appropriate for the occasion. The Offertory Hymn was "Use Me;" the Communion Hymn was "Jesus is Here Right Now / God So Loved the World." The Hymn of Thanksgiving (Meditation) was my favorite, "Total Praise." Our St. Elizabeth Gospel Choir just CANNOT be surpassed! I've heard the SAME comment THREE times: "I counted 14 people in that choir and they sounded like there were at LEAST one hundred voices!"

The choir was outstanding on ALL of the hymns, but whenever they sing "Total Praise"... (by the way, BETTER than the original artists!)... I, personally, cannot help but be inspired to lift my hands in TOTAL PRAISE FOR HIM!

Thanks to the Women's Group and others who gave a lovely reception in the hall afterwards. As with the Holy Saturday reception, the food was outstanding, the fellowshipping was great. Many thanks go out to all of those ladies who worked diligently to make the celebration as wonderful and as special as it was.

God has truly blessed us. We are a grateful, thriving, spirit-filled community in Highland Park. We have to give HIM total praise always.

Photos by Valerie Smith