For the past four years, the school has been holding the Thanksgiving Interfaith Service as a way to celebrate and acknowledge all of the faiths that are present within the student body.

Throughout the year, the McQuaid Jesuit community comes together to celebrate masses that correspond with the Catholic faith. This includes The Mass of the Holy Spirit, Advent Liturgy, and Easter Liturgy.  As a Jesuit high school, taking the time to celebrate together at these masses truly shows the connection between the school community. However, when McQuaid celebrates the Thanksgiving Holiday, all faiths are acknowledged.

Some may assume that McQuaid students are of only Catholic and Christian faiths. This, however, is not the case. In fact, the McQuaid student body and community is made up of a variety of diverse faiths and beliefs.

The service is very unique when compared to other masses that take place throughout the year. The service is not directly related to one specific faith. Instead it incorporates readings and reflections from Jewish, Hindu and Baha’i faiths.

During the service, readings were conducted by junior Gagan Timsina, ‘20 who shared a reading on the Hindu faith, sophomore Ben Fargnoli, ‘21 who shared a reading from the Baha’i faith, and Jewish Rabbi Peter Stein who spoke and shared a reflection.

Rabbi Stein shared a reflection on the most recent tragedy in Pittsburg that deeply affected the Jewish community. His reflection reminded all that we need to support one another during times like this, and that we have to be grateful for one another and our neighbors.

The Thanksgiving holiday focuses attention on uniting people together and sharing with one another. Mr. Nathan Drahms, Director of Retreats and Liturgies, believes in the power of unity.

“Thanksgiving is not owned by one specific faith,” Mr. Drahms said.  The service is aimed at uniting the McQuaid community.

Mr. Dramhs also said, “The purpose of the service is to include various faiths, and share our public hospitality by being welcoming and showing gratitude.” During Thanksgiving as a school community we connect and celebrate together.

The service also intertwined with the school food drive that took place in the weeks leading up to the service. The donated food was displayed at the service and tied back into the message of giving and being grateful for what we have. 

Mr. Dramhs also touched on the fact that there has been a positive reaction to the service and it gives everyone an opportunity to hear from others and reflect together.

Thanksgiving is a time where the community shares common gratitude and blessings with one another. During the Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, the community celebrated together, no matter what faith.