St. Bernard students were honored to host ministers from their home churches to take part in the school’s annual Thanksgiving Service at St. Bernard Prep. Since the group was unable to gather last year, it was especially nice to see old – and some new – faces joined together for the traditional service of Thanksgiving.

Clergy took part in the service composed of prayers, psalms, Scripture readings and hymns. Students offered thanks and petitions to God as they lay symbols of the various aspects of their lives before the altar of the monks’ abbey church.

After several Scripture readings were heard in four different languages representing some of the various cultures of the students, Father Patrick Cullen of Nazareth House in Birmingham offered a reflection on the gospel passage about the ten lepers whom Jesus cured, of which only one returned to say thank you. After reflecting on the other nine and their reasons for acting the way they did, he asked, “Which one are you?” “By words or actions, do you say thank you, or not – that choice is yours,” Father Cullen said.

Instrumental music was provided by the St. Bernard Prep School band, headed by Jonathon Farley, and choral music was provided under the direction of Ashleigh Russell, who also served as organist for the service.

St. Bernard Prep School President Father Joel Martin, O.S.B., said, “This is an opportunity for all of us in the school community to give thanks to God for the many gifts we have received, and to do so along with those pastors, ministers, and priests who are so important in the lives of our students. These men and women are very busy, so we are all impressed with and grateful for their taking time to join us in going to God with thankful hearts and minds.”

The service was followed by a dinner for all guests, students, faculty, and staff. The guest clergy were served by the students.