ST. PETER
CATHOLIC CHURCH
MEET THE LAVERY FAMILY: I
f you walk into Rich and Mary Lavery’s home any given year on Thanksgiving Day, you will find a whole lot more than just a great meal on the table. You will witness overflowing joy, the beauty of family being together, and the peace that comes from grateful hearts. “The really nice thing about our Thanksgiving celebration is that it is an opportunity to spend time with all of our family members, without any other overriding purpose to the day,” Mary says. “We get together often for birthdays, major holidays, weddings, baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, and graduations. Thanksgiving does not bring with it the expectation of gift-giving or receiving, or even focusing on one particular person whom we are celebrating. While those things are important and provide wonderful family traditions, Thanksgiving is just a wonderful day to celebrate our entire family
Gratefully
Sp
and the blessing of each individual within it.” For the entire Lavery family, celebrating Thanksgiving together is a tradition that goes way back – something that has carried across several generations. “Throughout the years, we have always had a big family Thanksgiving celebration, and the tradition continues today as we gather in my mother and father’s home,” says Maria Mast. “When we all get together, my husband, Matthew, and I are there with our three children — Elena, William, and Richie — and my two brothers and sister are also there with their families. There is even one great-grandchild there as well! I hope that the tradition continues in my children’s lives as well, long after I am gone.” Each year, the family’s celebration starts a little before Thanksgiving Day. “My mother enjoys having her grandchildren help
“Thanksgiving does not bring with it the expectation of gift giving or receiving, or even focusing on one particular person whom we are celebrating. While those things are important and provide wonderful family traditions, Thanksgiving is just a wonderful day to celebrate our entire family and the blessing of each individual within it.” — MARY LAVERY
The Rich and Mary Lavery family
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Cousins, all together on a special day
