The camaraderie was apparent as soon as people arrived, many searching for friends to share hugs and holiday greetings. It seems everyone there knew that one of the great blessings of their life was this wonderful parish with its deep spirituality, social justice, and like-minded souls. And they were aware of having been blessed with much bounty.

Rather than a homily, the tradition is an "open mic". Of about 20 people who shared their stories of thanks, some brought tears. There were several survival stories, physical and mental, and many sincere thank-you stories.

The offertory procession was led by Mary Bernardo in a beautiful dance. Gifts of bread, wine and money baskets were ceremoniously presented at the altar. Most everyone followed by bringing bags of food to the altar - over 100 bags. Within minutes the entire altar area was surrounded by this symbolic, yet very tangible expression of sharing.

The liturgy this year was especially unique. It provided an introduction to the new altar-pulpit-musician-seating arrangement. Father Jim Cassidy introduced the "changes" and suggested "this is a work in progress". Careful inspection of the photos reveals the changes. Stay tuned.

During Communion, one of my favorite songs, “What a Wonderful World”, seemed to express all that is good. After the final blessing, the musicians broke into a spirited rendition of “Over the River and Through the Woods”. And in the spirit of thanksgiving, everyone headed home - or perhaps to grandma's house.

and

Jerry Hartlaub commutes from New Brighton with his wife, Trish, to be refreshed and challenged at the "SJA spiritual oasis". He's a Sunday mass slide jockey and "worker bee" at many SJA events. For fun he has written a bunch of poetry, printed his first book, and invented lots of stuff in a 30-year bioengineering career. These days he teaches cardiac physiology (but he's mostly retired), serves on non-profit boards, does Junior Achievement gigs and plays softball. But most rewarding is providing child-care for two of the world's smartest, cutest grandchildren.

There are members of St. Joan of Arc who believe the Thanksgiving Day Mass is the best celebration of the year. This year’s observance seemed to prove the point.