What are you grateful for? It is the time of year when we focus on such things. Amid many challenges and difficulties facing the world, the nations in which we serve, the Church, and our religious communities, it might be easier to name what we are concerned about, rather than what we are grateful for. Gratitude, though, is about seeing what God has done and ways in which we can continue to move forward, even with challenges.
Are we grateful for our brothers in community or do we see only their various concerns and issues? Are we grateful for those we serve or do we see simply their many needs? Are we grateful for the action of God in our lives or do we focus on what we hope God will do?
Being in gratitude, in thanksgiving as Eucharistic people, is central to being people of faith. We center ourselves on Christ who offers each of us and our communities what is needed to go forth for him. The way is not easy and there are many challenges, concerns, and issues, but we still go forth in gratitude for all that God has done and will continue to do.
In prayerful solidarity,
Frank Donio, SAC
Executive Director
This is an excerpt from the November 2025 Items of Note. Items of Note is a monthly email for CMSM members and partners. If you are not receiving Items of Note once a month via email, please email contact@cmsm.org.