David, anointed as shepherd-king in the first reading, leads not by force but with closeness and understanding. Jesus surpasses this image: He is the King who knows our joys, our wounds, and our hopes from within. Saint Paul then reminds us that Christ is “the image of the invisible God,” the One in whom “all things hold together.” As we approach Thanksgiving, this truth becomes deeply consoling. When we feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, or uncertain, Christ’s steady presence holds our lives together with purpose and grace.

The Gospel places us before the surprising throne of our King: the Cross. The sign above His head reads, “This is the King of the Jews,” yet His reign is revealed through mercy and sacrifice. In this moment, the repentant criminal speaks the humble prayer we all carry in our hearts: “Jesus, remember me.” And Jesus responds with royal generosity: “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” This is the heart of our King—mercy offered to the seeking soul, hope extended to the brokenhearted.

As Thanksgiving approaches, let us ask what it means to allow Christ to reign in our hearts, our homes, and our priorities. Gratitude becomes a doorway to seeing God at work in both the blessings we celebrate and the challenges we endure.

A Thanksgiving Invitation

You and your families are warmly invited to our Thanksgiving Day Mass on Thursday, November 27, at 8:30 a.m.Before gathering around your tables, come share in the Eucharist—our greatest prayer of thanksgiving. Whether this year finds you celebrating joyfully or carrying sorrow, know that your parish family stands beside you.

Seasonal Events at IHM: Preparing Our Hearts for Advent

As we move from Thanksgiving into Advent, IHM offers several opportunities for prayer, service, and community. I encourage you to participate in the ways that best support your spiritual preparation.

Christmas Giving Tree

Beginning next weekend, our Christmas Giving Tree will be placed in the church. Each tag represents a child, family, or individual in need within our parish outreach and partner agencies. Your goodness helps provide hope and dignity to those who might otherwise go without this Christmas. Please return your unwrapped gifts by the date marked on the tag.

Christmas Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser – Sunday, December 14, 1–4 p.m.

A colorful flyer in this bulletin invites you to the December 14 Gift-Wrapping Fundraiser at IHM Gym, where you can enjoy cocoa, cookies, fellowship, and a Christmas photo booth. With the theme “Your Gift is Wrapped in Prayer,” each wrapped gift by volunteers will have a prayer tag, reminding all of the prayer and care involved.

Proceeds will fund improvements to our Livestream and Sound System, enhancing outreach to the homebound and expanding our digital ministry.

IHM Christmas Concert

Our annual Christmas Concert returns soon, offering a beautiful evening of Scripture, sacred music, and reflection. It is always a highlight of the season and a peaceful way to prepare hearts for the Nativity of the Lord. Full details will be announced next week.

Faith in the Digital Age: IHM Weekly Homily on Spotify

I’m pleased to share that IHM’s weekly homily podcast, Echoes from the Heart, is now available on Spotify. This allows you to revisit Sunday’s message anytime or share it with family and friends who may benefit from hearing the Word proclaimed beyond the walls of our church.

Beginning November 30, we will also launch a daily Advent audio series titled “A Moment of Peace for Your Day.”These short reflections are designed to offer a gentle pause, encouragement, and prayer during the busy days of December.

Cyber Month of Giving – Click to Build. Click to Bless.

A Month of Goodness at IHM

During the month of November, our parish is observing a Cyber Month of Giving—a spiritually grounded initiative inspired by the cultural rhythm of Cyber Monday. Rather than searching for discounts, we are invited to invest in things that never lose their value: faith, beauty, and community.

Your online gifts this month directly support:

• Continued stone and façade improvements to our church

• Upgrades to lighting, sound, and livestream systems

• Preparation for winter snow removal

• Future parking lot and pavement repair planning

While this campaign is separate from our regular weekly offertory, your support—large or small—helps us maintain and enhance the sacred spaces that serve our parish family.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already participated.

Reflection Questions for the Week

Where in my life do I most need to allow Christ to “hold all things together”?

How does Jesus’ kingship from the Cross reshape my understanding of leadership and strength?

For whom or what am I most grateful this Thanksgiving?

How can I extend gratitude into acts of service through our Giving Tree or other parish events?

Which Advent opportunity at IHM might help deepen my spiritual preparation this year?

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, reign in my heart with mercy,

guide my days with wisdom, and anchor my life in your peace.

As we gather for Thanksgiving and prepare for Advent,

open my eyes to your blessings

and strengthen my desire

to serve you through acts of charity and love.

Bless our parish family

and all our ministries

of prayer, service, and outreach.

May your kingdom of hope take root in us.

Amen.

In Christ,