a savory dinner
followed by some slippery fun

An annual tradition in our family since I was about 7 or 8 years old, was a trip to Hershey, Pa., on the day after Thanksgiving to see the Ice Capades. I could hardly wait to get my own ice skates after seeing those wonderful skaters! A few years later, my sister and I received our own ice skates, and our parents would take us out to practice on the weekend. Then we would come home and have hot chocolate. Such “warm” memories!

— Sister Carol Ann Papp

childhood fun makes
for cherished memories

One of the Thanksgiving days I recall very fondly happened years ago when I was about 9 or 10 years old. When I awakened in the morning and saw we had snow on the ground I was terribly excited. Snow meant we could finally go out and sled-ride. Needless to say, my kid brother and my older sister were just as happy about the snow. Dad had the sled polished to rid it of the dust gathered while it was stashed away during the summer months, and he also sharpened the runners. Out we went to the long, long hill near our home. There we found all the youngsters of the neighborhood also sled-riding. What fun it was to see all our friends enjoying the fun and just as happy as we were. When we finally went home to dinner, the conversation was still very happy. We talked and laughed about seeing our buddies and how we enjoyed being out in the snow. Mom and dad and the rest of the family seemed happy that we were having such fun. Yes, there was and is so much to thank God for. I still thank Him for our peaceful and good family.

— +Sister Norberta Kralosky

celebrating deep appreciation for family, then and now

My memories of Thanksgiving are waking up to the mouth-watering aroma of oven-baked turkey wafting through our home. Mom could be heard in the kitchen with early preparations for our family dinner. Joining us at our table were our grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Joyous laughter could be heard as our relatives conversed, praising mom for a delicious, festive meal, culminating in a variety of homemade pies and ice cream. As a young child, I remember being encompassed by a deep feeling of happiness and gratitude to be a part of this warm and caring family. Today, my sister Annie continues the tradition of hosting our Thanksgiving dinner. It’s hard to believe that I am now the “matriarch,” leading our family in prayer and gratitude for our countless blessings. Even though the number of family members around our table is smaller, the deep love, joy and togetherness is still present. We often share memories and stories of our deceased loved ones, who live on through us, leaving us a legacy of love of God, family, and lives well lived.

— Sister Marie Therese Sherwood

meal preparations
& an annual parade

Growing up around New York City meant that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was part of the festivity. As the meal was being prepared — which, of course, included antipasto, lasagna or homemade manicotti, turkey and all the trimmings, pies, etc., — the children would often go with one or two adults to the parade. When the New York paradegoers returned, the entire extended family would gather around the elongated table to pray and eat. Our meals were always a bustle of stories and passing around dishes of delicacies. We had much for which to be thankful.

— Sister Frances Marie Duncan

Our church had a festival on the eve of Thanksgiving. I remember walking to church on crunchy snow. One year, my dad won a live piglet! We donated it to Mount Assisi Convent, where they had pigs.

— Sister Cecilia Jacko

As a child, our church held a dinner and festival where people could meet one another. The Sisters had a fish pond as part of it.

— +Sister Francesca Parana