During this week of Thanksgiving, we will count our blessings around various tables. I will be joining the Jesuit School of Theology community in Berkeley for a large and festive feast with students and faculty there. As I do, I will name the blessing of serving here at Santa Clara with you in this special place. I am inspired by your commitment, creativity, and generosity as together we try to build a more just, gentle, and sustainable world through our work in higher education.

In this spirit of gratitude, I wish to highlight the generosity of so many who have helped us care for our students facing food insecurity. If you would like to support the program as part of your holiday giving, please see more information on the Office of Student Life Food Insecurity website or participate in the gift wrapping drive next week (see attached). 

As a priest, I know that the holidays can also be a time of sadness for those who are far from home, or miss people they love, especially family and friends who have passed away. This very human experience underscores the importance of community and the value of truly being present to one another in the busyness of the season and end of term.

Finally, it is important at this time of year, and every day, to give thanks for the opportunity to live, work, learn and pray on the traditional homeland of the Ohlone and Muwekma Ohlone people. The blessings of this land continue to unfold in our time.

May God bless our Santa Clara family.

Gratefully,