"This special Thanksgiving tradition gives the parishioners and community a time to come together prior to the family gatherings to give praise and thanks to the Lord, who provides everything," a parish spokesperson said. "We have so much to be thankful for and this is a perfect way to praise and thank the Good Lord for all He has given to us throughout the year."

Celebration of the Mass also will include a special blessing of food to be served by parishioners to their families on Thanksgiving day. "We encourage everyone to bring the bread and wine that they will enjoy with Thanksgiving dinner at home, so it can be first blessed at the Lord's table during Mass," the spokesperson continued.

Those participating in this special blessing are instructed to place their food items on the table in front of the altar when they enter the sanctuary, and to pick them up at the conclusion of the Mass.

The season of Advent in the Catholic church begins the following Sunday after Thanksgiving. At St. Gabriel's, the season will begin with a parish mission on Monday, Nov. 29, and will continue for three evenings at 7 p.m. A parish penance service will be held Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

The church celebrates weekend Masses each Saturday (Vigil) at 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday mornings at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Weekend activities conclude with a life teen Mass Sunday evening at 5 p.m.

All are welcome, including non-Catholics and those Catholics who have not attended church regularly.

For more information about St. Gabriel's or for information about special church events planned for the holidays, call the church office, 770-461-0492.

St. Gabriel's is at 152 Antioch Rd., Fayetteville.