'Eucharistia' is Greek, the root of Eucharist, meaning 'thanksgiving'

Eucharistia is the Greek word for eucharist, which means "thanksgiving." It is the liturgical term for the sacrament — the spiritual meal commemorating salvation history, the Resurrection and continuing presence of Jesus.

Thanksgiving Day is a uniquely American observance. Some expressions of thanks are found in many cultures and religious traditions, although not as a dedicated day.

When the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth in 1620, the winter was bitterly cold and the first harvest had produced little if any food. Their voyage charter specified a day of thanksgiving to be held on the anniversary after their arrival, in the fall of 1621.

The Pilgrims invited Massasoit, chief of the Wampanoag tribe, which included 90 braves. It is recorded that the meal was a feast of venison, duck, goose, seafood, white and corn bread, greens and a dessert of wild plums and dried berries.

Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival with some religious emphasis. Many people offer God a prayer of thanksgiving for divine grace and blessings, including acknowledgement of hard work and a successful growing season.

It is also a celebration of family to be enjoyed with relatives and friends together at a table. A prayer of grace (Latin grataie, “thanks”) is shared.

Thanksgiving Day is not included in the Church calendar. There is a tradition where a priest blesses bread brought to a Thursday morning Mass being served as part of the holiday meal.

At every Mass, of course, parishioners and visitors arrive, alone or with others, and become united by sharing a meal, the Eucharist, and receiving a dismissal blessing: “Go forth to love and serve the Lord.” The response: “Thanks be to God.”