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Young People Count Their Blessings

(Editor’s note: Again this year, The Messenger invited young people to talk about their blessings. We received hundreds of responses in words, photos and drawings. Following are some of the comments from young Catholics in our midst. We included a sampling from all of those sending responses.)

Belleville, Cathedral of St. Peter School
Audrey Stock, 1st Grade
I am glad my grama and grampo are with me because they love me going pumpkin pinking. Mom and Dad are blessings because they help me with my homework.

Cami, 3rd Grade
I am thankful for the world because it has everything I need, my family, my church and my school. It provides us food and water. And guess what? Without it we wouldn’t be here Jesus made it for us we should be thankful.

Gabe
I am thankful for my brother because he is very kind, sharing and good at making me happy. He is funny and cheers me up, sometimes he will do my chores. He will try to teach me some cool tricks to do, most of them work.

Josh Braun
I am thankful for my family. I am thankful because they are very nice to be. Also, they have always tried to do the best they could. Me, my brothers and my sister, and anything I like had my mom’s love in it. I am very thankful for my dad to because he’s cool! That’s why I’m thankful.

Gabi Miller, 4th Grade
I am thankful for my parents because they give me everything I need, they cherish me. Also, I’m thankful for school so we can have a good education and a great job in the future. Also, I am thankful for the world for us to live in and to wake up to a gorgeous sky every morning. Another thing I am thankful for is my house. I am very blessed to have all of these things in my life.

Rachel Gingrich, PSR Grade 5
I am thankful for my mom and dad because they take care of me. I also am thankful for food, water and air. I am very thankful of God because without him we would not exist. I love to dance and I am thankful I can to what I love. I love school so without it I could not get an education. I am very thankful of my friends because they are there when I need someone and I am there for them. So that is what I am thankful for.

Belleville, St. Mary-St. Augustine School
Sydney Parker, Grade 2
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for our Lord and all the good food in the world. I’m thankful for everything that God made. I love dogs and cats, make-up, and hand lotion.

Kami
I am thankful for brothers and sisters. I am thankful that Jesus gave us pets. I am thankful that God made me.

Clara
I am thankful for my mom and dad and my sis and dog. I am happy Jesus was born. I am thankful God made me. I Love my God.

Andersyn Foster, Grade 4
My blessings include living in a home with heat and air conditioning, clothes that fit me, and family members who love and take care of me. Some more of my blessings are having an education, friends, a loving teacher, a talent which is soccer and having relatives who come from a different state to visit my family and me.

Jordan Beishir, Grade 7
I am thankful for my loving family, friends and pets. I am thankful for the food to fill my stomach and the water to quench my thirst. I am thankful for the clothes to clothe my body and the roof over my head. I am thankful for all the things that I have. I am grateful for the ability to be able to be an athlete. I am thankful for everybody who protects my country. I am thankful for my outstanding friends and for the ability to get an education. I am blessed to be able to express my own opinion and share my perspective on things. I am thankful for the freedom of speech. I am grateful for transportation to be able to get from place to place. I am grateful for my teachers who explain what we are learning. I am blessed with all of these things and they mean so much to me.

Belleville, St. Teresa School
Paz Malaschak, Grade 4B
I am thankful for having a great life to live and my four cats Ziggey, Shannen, Mazipan and Ony. Also I am thankful that I was able to love Oshie before he went missing. I am thankful for all of my friends. Also my family that I love so much and never want to leave. And I am thankful for the people that like me and even the people who don’t. Also my ability to love and cherish my loving family.

Nathan Pawlow, Grade 4B
I am thankful for my dog. Every time I come home from school my dog comes to because she knows I will pet her. I am grateful for my friends. With out them I would be lonely every day at school. I am grateful for my family. I would not be in a house, I would not have food and I would not have clothes.

Abby Herzing, Grade 4B
I’m thankful for my friends and family. I’m blessed because I have a pet, a nice house and family. That is what I’m thankful for but wait that’s not all. I have very nice friends and best of all I have a very nice sister Megan and my baby brother Max. I have the best teacher ever.

Paul Fries, Grade 4B
I am thankful for my family. They take care of me and get me what I need. I am grateful that I have a life. The best thing I am thankful for is that I am a Catholic. I like being a Catholic because of what we believe in. Another thing I am thankful for is that I have a country to live in.

Kyle Sullivan, Grade 4M
I am thankful for my parents because I love them. My fish is something that I am thankful for because he is my only pet. Also my legos because I build with them every day. My friends are great to play with. I am also glad that I have a house to live in.

Connor McClary, Grade 4M
I am thankful for my family, pets and the house I live in. I’m also thankful for my friends because my life would be boring without them. I’m thankful to go to a school with no bullies, mean teachers or a mean principal. I’m thankful that I grew up in a good town that has good people living in it.

Olivia Lawson, Grade 4M
I’m thankful for my pets. I’m thankful for my pets because I can take them on walks. Sometimes when I’m hurt my dog comes to comfort me. When I’m bored I know I have them to play with. I’m thankful for books because they can make you smarter. They also can show you what you might want to be when you grow up.

Ireland Keen, Grade 4M
I’m most thankful for my family because they teach me how to do things. I’m also thankful for my friends because they are always there for me when I’m sad or upset. I am thankful for good health because I wouldn’t like if I had lots of problems. I am thankful for my animals because when I’m bored I could play with them. I’m also thankful for my toys and all the things I have because I wouldn’t like to be bored all the time and have nothing to do. I am very thankful for all of my clothing because I wouldn’t like if I would have to go places with no clothes on. I am most thankful for food because you wouldn’t have any thing to eat and you would starve. Another thing I’m thankful for is my very nice house that I live in because I wouldn’t like if I had to live in the side of the street or on a curb. I’m thankful for my Grandmas and Grandpas because they both buy me lots of presents for holidays.

Jack Stinson, Grade 4M
I am thankful for my parents. They feed me delicious meals. They buy me my clothes. They let me stay up late at night to watch Blues games. My parents are awesome.

Katherine Froser, Grade 4M
I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my parents who feed me, give me shelter, and give me love. Another thing that I am thankful for are my parents who pay for me to go to St. Teresa School. I am thankful for all the teachers who took their time to teach my class. I am thankful for the trees that give me oxygen. I am thankful for my family and I live in a free country. I am thankful to be surrounded by people who love and care for me. I am thankful to be brought on this planet.

Beckemeyer, St. Augustine/Breese, St. Augustine, St. Dominic
Emma Burns, PSR
I am thankful for family because they are always there for you. They all love you even if you are mad at them.

Austin Hunt, PSR
I’m thankful for Thanksgiving because I get to eat a lot.

Blake Usselmann, PSR
I am thankful for walking my neighbors dog.

Taylor, PSR
I am thankful for my mom and dad and I love him and when he leaves January 19 and I will Miss him but I will still love him over and over again.

Justin, PSR
I am thankful for... trees, people and dogs.

Breese, All Saints Academy Jr. High
Sam Toennies, Grade 8
I have so many blessings in my life. I am blessed to live in this great community and I am so glad I can go to a Catholic school and worship God during the day. I am so blessed with a great family and many friends.

Gabriel Rund, Grade 8
My mother always taught me to be thankful for the little things in life, because even if they do not seem important now, someday they could make a big difference. I am most thankful for my family who is so supportive in everything I do. They encourage me to try new things and to always strive to do my best.

Ashtyn Kehrer, Grade 7
I’m thankful for everything in my life. I am most thankful for my family and my friends. I don’t think I could live without them. They mean so much to me. They help me through my bad days, my good days, my boring days and even my perfect days. They are always there to lean on, and are definitely the best part of my world.

Anne Marie Antonacci, Grade 7
I’m thankful for all of my family members, including my cousins. I also think my sister, Ellen, is awesome at piano. I love to sing, and I am the only one in my family that can sing. My dad and I make a good pair when my sister plays the piano and we sing together. I am thankful for these special times in my family.

Carlyle, St. Mary
Hayley Palm, Faith Formation Grade 4
I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my family because if I did not have a family I would not have anybody to play with. And if I did not have a mom then she would not be able to take me shopping to get clothes and stuff. If I did not have a dad then he would not be there to teach me how to play sports and take me hunting.

Carmi, St. Polycarp
Confirmation Class, Grades 7-10
We are thankful for the Sacrament of Confirmation and all of its blessings! We decided to make an acrostic out of the word blessings, using the 9 words describing the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which are gifts we receive in the Sacrament of Confirmation. By this power of the spirit we can:
Bear much fruit, starting with JOY, Love, PEace, Self-Control, KindnesS, FaIthfulness, PatieNce, Generosity, Gentleness.

Columbia, Immaculate Conception
Sydney Denison, PSR Grade 3
I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for the love I get from my family and friends. I am also thankful for the food on our table and the home we live in. That my papa is not sick anymore and that he can do things with me and my sisters again.

Emma Pretto, PSR Grade 3
I am thankful for my family. Because without them I would be lonely. I might of been out on the streets if it weren’t for my family. I am also thankful for my papa. Because he was sick and is getting better. I love him. That is what I am thankful for.

Germantown, St. Boniface
Alyxsandra Wilkins, PSR
I am very blessed in my life, I am thankful for my family because they encourage me to do my best. I am glad to have the friends that I have because they are loving and understanding. I am thankful for love and hope, because love is in everyone, and hope is something you must have to live. I am thankful for Brianne, because she understands me more than anyone. I am thankful for the religion program that we have at our school, because without it we wouldn’t be the educated people that we need to be for religion. I am thankful for the freedom in our country, because without it we wouldn’t have the choice of our religion, or the freedom that we have today. I am thankful for God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, because God created us, Jesus saved us, and the Holy Spirit lives within us.

Abigail Hanna, PSR
I’m thankful for my brother and sister, who, even though they are always annoying me, I love them. Also, my Grandma and Grandpa Albers, because they care about me, love me and make me laugh. I’m thankful for my mom and dad, because they protect me, love me and we have alot of fun together. Also my ability to play the saxophone for band and jazz band. I’m also thankful for my friends, because without them I’d be alone. I’m especially thankful for my faith in God and Jesus.

Brenden Toennies, PSR
I would like to thank God for my family, because they are always there for me and help me a lot. I’m also thankful for my God given gift of playing the drums. Another thing I am thankful for is my religion (christianity), because it taught me everything I know.

Ndan Gerling, PSR
I am blessed for my parents. They are nice to me and would do anything for me. Also my grandparents, they are kind and go to all of my sports games. They would do anything for me. I am thankful for the wonderful church that we have and a wonderful school. I am also blessed for the great friends that I have. Also my sports talents.

Paige Langenhorst
I am thankful for so many things! I am thankful for being brought up in a Catholic church; for such a great family, without them I would be lost. I am thankful for my friends, who always have me back. I am also thankful for the things I am given that other people don’t have. I am thankful for so many things!!

Mascoutah, Holy Childhood School
Connor Philow, Grade 6
I can’t write a paragraph about this because I have a LOT of blessings. I guess I can write down a few things. Here is my list: LIFE, FAMILY, RAIN, SUN and GOD. I am blessed with life by being alive. I am blessed with family by having them look after me. I am blessed with rain because without rain the earth would be a dry ball of dirt, rock and sand. I am blessed with sun because without it the earth would be a cold and frozen place. I am blessed with God by all the things of the world; from the smallest cell to the largest mountain.

Bryce Friederich, Grade 6
One blessing I’m thankful for is my mom. She is very a loving and caring person and is always there for me. I’m thankful for God because he has led me through the good and the difficult times. I’m thankful for my principal Deacon Karcher. If it wasn’t for him the school wouldn’t be what it is today. I’m also thankful for my religion teacher Mrs. Fischer. She helps us know and understand our faith. These are some of the blessings I’m thankful for.

Dawson Plab, Grade 6
One of the blessings in my life are the stars that shine in the night sky. Another blessing are the trees that sway in the breeze. A blessing that I have is the sun that warms me everyday. All the people in the world are blessings to me. My most favorite blessings are God, my family, and all creation. I have many more, but I can’t seem to write them all in a single paragraph.

Jeremy Bunn, Grade 6
The blessings I have are my life and sight. I enjoy my life. I like life because you can explore the world. I am thankful for like the ability to see. Sight is a blessing because I can see what I’m doing.

Jason Berthe, Grade 7
I’m thankful for my family. My family is supportive, trustworthy, honest and helpful. I’m thankful that I have a dog. I love petting , snuggling and playing with my dog. I’m thankful for my friends. My friends are nice, honest and fun to be around. These aren’t the only things I am thankful for, just a few.

Michael Pagano, Grade 7
I am thankful for things such as family, friends, house, food, water and a Catholic education. The reason I am thankful for family and friends is because they are always there for me when I need them. I am thankful for my house because it is a safe place to live and it is in a good neighborhood. I am thankful for food and water because without them I would perish. I am especially thankful for my Catholic education because I love being a Catholic!

Caroline Tiller, Grade 7
I am thankful that my dad is still alive. It makes me feel a little better about his deployment knowing that he is provided food, water and a shelter. I know I would rather have him home but, I am very thankful that he is ok. Sometimes I think about this and I realize he will be home soon, which I am very thankful for. I am glad that he is allowed to call us. Most of all I am thankful that he is still funny. This reminds me that he is still happy.

Maddie Schneider, Grade 7
I am thankful for my blessings. One of my blessings is my family. They are always there for me, and always bring me wherever I need to be. Another one of my blessings are my friends. They always cheer me up when I’m sad, and are always there when I need them. My dog, Hershey, is another one of my blessings. He is always fun to play with, and he is always making me happy. Another one of my blessings is the school and Church I attend. I love to see all my friends and family at school every day, and to go to Church two times a week with the school. Food and water are other blessings. Shelter is another one of my blessings. I am thankful I have a home. When we left and returned from the Justin Bieber concert, there were men holding cups asking for money. There were also men sleeping outside on steps. I am thankful I don’t have to live like this. These are all my blessings, and I am thankful for them.

Millstadt, St. James School
Haley Perkins, 8th Grade
I am thankful for many things like food, clothes, family and friends. I am thankful for food because without it I would die. I am thankful for clothes because if I didn’t have them I would be very cold and embarrassed. I am also thankful for family and friends because without them I wouldn’t know who to go to when I had a problem that I couldn’t solve. That is why I am so thankful for my life and everyone and everything in it.

Courtney Feeney, Grade 8
I am thankful for all of my sisters and the strong bond that we have that no one can break. I am thankful for all of the things that I have and I appreciate all of it. I am very thankful and blessed to have for all the music in the world. I am thankful for all my friends that make me happy, laugh and smile. I am thankful for my mom for giving me so much and working so hard just so I can have a normal life.

Jack Augustine, Grade 8
I am thankful for my loving family. I am thankful for God giving me life. I’m also thankful for my dad still having a job in this recession. I’m also thankful for having an education. I’m thankful for having these things and I hope that everyone else is thankful for these things to.

Megan Branz, Grade 8
I am thankful for the day and I am thankful for the night. I am thankful for the Army and all those who fight. I am thankful for my parents and my siblings too. I am thankful for me and I am thankful for you. I am thankful for volleyball and basketball too. I am thankful for God and everything he can do. I am thankful for food, and water every day. I am thankful for everything in every single way.

Nashville, St. Ann School
Allyson Grabowski, Grade 7
I am proud to have a family that supports all that I do. Without them I wouldn’t have as many accomplishments as I do now. They are able to give me what I need without any trouble. I go to an expensive school that gives me a great education. The main reason that I feel that I am the way I am is because of how much my family loves me. If anything in my life changes, I would be disappointed. Most of what I learn comes from the experiences that I receive from my family. I am a lucky girl to have such a great family.

Alex Orr, Grade 8
Many people in the world do not have food, water or health. In the time that you read this paragraph, many people have died from hunger, thirst or sickness. Though some people may have food, water, or health, they may not have a good family to go along with it. You are very lucky to have the chance and be able to read this paragraph. We should also be thankful that we live in America where we are able to have food, water, health and an education.

Daley Buchanan, 8th Grade
Right now, in my life, my blessing is that I am not as unfortunate as others. We all know that there are rich people and poor people. Many people just don’t realize what the phrase “poor people” really means. People who have flat screen televisions, nice, cozy bed to sleep in and most importantly, a roof over their heads are fortunate. Some people out there don’t have any of this. Their roofs are cardboard boxes. They barely have any food. Their televisions are people walking down the street every day staring at them. Their beds are the hard, disgusting ground. Some of them don’t even have a loving family to go home to. So when you lie down tonight, pray for the less fortunate than you.

Noah Niedzwiecki, Grade 8
I have many blessings. But I would say the blessing I am most thankful for would be my fun-loving family. I can’t see how you can have a fulfilling life without the love of your family. Your family does so much for you and a lot of kids haven’t realized that yet. Once you realized everything they do, you really start to appreciate them even more.

New Athens, St. Agatha School
Lucas Harper, Grade 8
What I am Thankful for - First of all, I am thankful for my family and friends. They are all fun to be around and caring. Next I am thankful for my education. The ability to learn and the desire to learn is what I thank God for giving me. Then I am thankful for the Earth and all of the nature that has been created. Finally, I am thankful for my lifestyle. I don’t have to worry about food or housing. I am blessed like that.

Colton Dever, Grade 7
I am thankful for my loving family and friends. I am also thankful for the roof over my head and my food. Another thing I am thankful for is my pets. I am very thankful for having a great school and good teachers. But most of all, I am thankful for my gift of life that God granted Me.

Rachel Lindauer, Grade 6
I am very lucky to have so many wonderful blessings in my life. Especially with jobs being so scarce, I am glad I have parents with secure jobs. I am thankful for having such a great home and family. I am also blessed with being able to have a Catholic education. God has given me such a wonderful life full of amazing friends and family. I know that there are people in the world who don’t have as much as I do. They don’t always have food to eat while I have more than enough. Thank you God for all my blessings!!!

Mathue Juenger, Grade 4
I am thankful for many blessings. One blessing is my good family and the good house I live in. My second blessing is the good school I go to. My third blessing is having clean clothes. My friends are a blessing too.

Taylor Vayette, Grade 4
I have many blessings. I am thankful for my dog, Lily. I am pleased with the love I get from her. I am thankful for all of my treasures. I am pleased with my life.

Noah Lintker, Grade 3
I am thankful for the blessing of my family. My family loves me very much. I am also thankful for my cat. I am very thankful for all of my blessings.

Claire, Grade 2
I have many blessings that I am thankful for. I am thankful for the church. I am thankful for school. I am thankful for sweet and loving people.

O’Fallon, St. Clare School
Francesco Galant, Grade 2
I am thankful for the wonderful things in the world like the bright colored flowers that are red, white or blue, like the flag’s colors.

James, Grade 2
I’m thankful for my parents. They help me fix things.

Ashley, Grade 2
I’m thankful for the church so everyone can pray.

Josh, Grade 2
I am thankful for my dad. I am thankful because he protects me.

Tyler McLeland, Grade 3
I’m thankful for my life, God, teachers, my guardian angel, animals, family, food, Jesus, friends, Earth, home, water and nature.

Matthew Koch, Grade 3
I am thankful for my family because they love me, the police because the police protect us from the bad boys and girls and water and food because we need the food to live same thing for water. My friends play with me when I am bored. The trees they give us air.

Colin P. McLaughlin, Grade 3
I am thankful for my family and my dog. I am also thankful for my love for science, for my luck and for my quickness. I am thankful for my friends as well.

Annie Pusa, Grade 4
You should be thankful for your friends and family, food, water and all he things that will keep you alive. Be thankful for a home because not a lot of people have a home. Be thankful for God and Jesus to bless you. Now be thankful for sports to get your self in good shape. But most importantly, be thankful for a education and a teacher to help you for your life.

Dimity Oestereich, Grade 4
I’m thankful for food. Without food all the people in the world would die. Food is made by farmers. Farmers plant, water and harvest the crops. Water helps us hydrate or are body would get dehydrated. Water helps our crops grow.

Lauren Wuebbels, Grade 4
I am thankful for my toys, friends and family. I’m also thankful for my pets, my house, and my yard. God is who I should really thank. I should thank the people who make toys. I’m so thankful for my life. So thank you, God.

Rachel Lakenburges, Grade 4
I’m thankful for a lot of things, so I’ll start with my family. My dog and my house are some more things I’m thankful for. I am thankful for all nature, for my church, and for Father Bill, my parish’s priest. My friends and my school I am very thankful for. I’m thankful for food, too. There are plenty more things I am thankful for, but those are the ones that I’m thankful for the most.

Kayla Fisher, Grade 4
I am thankful for my family. I love them so much. I care for my friends. I love my teachers. I like sports like swimming and drawing. I really like to eat food like apples. I am really thankful for water and other drinks. I’m glad I have clothes. I really, really love schools. I am super glad for 911. I love music so much. I bet we all love the earth. I love animals.

Maggie Jackson, Grade 5
In 2009, my Dad lost his job, due to a layoff. We lived in Detroit, Michigan, where it was impossible for my Dad to get a job. There was no choice - he went by himself down to St. Louis where he found a job. I am grateful that my Dad was able to get a job, and that the rest of the family and I could move up to St. Louis, and that we could find a wonderful home and school. This was very hard for me and my family, but the biggest thing it did for me was that it made me a better Catholic, because I know that I could have never have done this without God.

Mary Costantinou, Grade 5
I am thankful for my family because they care for me and they love me. I am thankful for my friends because, they always make me feel better when I’m feeling sad and my friends are always there for me. There are always new people to meet. I’m thankful for my pets because they are so cuddly. I have one dog and two guinea pigs. I’m thankful for god. I’m thankful for Fridays.

Brendan MacAinsh, PSR Grade 6
I am thankful for my family, like my mom and dad for getting us through hard time. I am thankful for food on my plate and drinks in my cups. I am thankful for my house, for the school I go to and for my church. I am thankful for Jesus dying on the cross. I am thankful for my younger brother and my older brother.

Olney, St. Joseph School
Kenzie Weiler
I am thankful for my Grandma and Grandpa because they play with me at their house. I am thankful for flowers because flowers are different colors. But most of all I am thankful for my puppy because she chases after me every day.

Dane Steber
I am thankful for food because I can eat it every day to stay healthy. I am thankful for grass because it is soft to fall on. But most of all I am thankful for the cross because Jesus got hung on it for me.

Rylin Kilpatrick
I am thankful for the world’s gravity because gravity helps me to stay on the ground and not float into the sky. I am thankful for trees because if the world did not have trees I could not breathe. But most of all I am thankful for Jesus because he died on the cross to save me from sin.

Evan Rudolphi
I am thankful for my dad because he tells funny jokes. I am thankful for my birthday because I get to open presents. But most of all I am thankful for Jesus because he taught me to pray.

Avery Schneider
I am thankful for water because it keeps the fish healthy. I am thankful for my Mom because she lets me buy a play race car when we go to Wal-Mart. But most of all I am thankful for God because He is so awesome. He made me!

Elizabeth Hahn
I am thankful for my Grandpa because he is my only Grandpa left and he is special to me. I am thankful for my family because they are so special to me. They are the ones that take care of me. But most of all I am thankful for my puppy because I got him as a birthday present from my parents. I was so excited.

Paderborn, St. Michael
Jordan Fritz, PSR Grade 6
I am thankful for cloths that I get. I am thankful for my house that I live in. I am thankful for my parents. I am thankful for my food that I eat. I am thankful for GOD. I am thankful for my shoes.

Eric Worden, PSR Grade 6
I am thankful for...T.V. is great. Candy is good. Basketball is awesome. Football is sensational. God is the best. Bowling rocks. Baseball is great.

Megan Walsh, PSR Grade 7
I am thankful for many things. First of all, I am thankful for my friends, family and everything that I have. I am so glad that I am loved and that I have people that understand me. Secondly, I am thankful that I live in a place where I can be anybody or anything that I want to be. I am thankful that Jesus died so I can live and that God is always watching over me and answering my prayers.

Pinckneyville, St. Bruno School
Katie Smith, Grade 4
I have many blessings in my life are my family, friends, sports, my pets, nature, my school and reading. My family is a blessing to me because they love me no matter what. My friends are blessing to me because my friends are really nice. Sports are a blessing in my life because I’m good at anything if I put my mind to it. My pets are a blessings in my life because I love my pets. Nature is a blessing in my life because it is wonderful. My school is a blessing in my life because my teachers are amazing. Reading is a blessing to me because it is like a little movie going on inside my head about the story.

Daniel Huggins, Grade 5
I have two blessings in my life. These blessings are family and church. My first blessing is family. It’s family because they brought me into the world. My second blessing is church. It’s church because I got baptized in a church. I like all blessings I have because God gave them to me, also because they are a gift from God.

Evan Williams, Grade 5
I have so many blessings in my life. These include my family, my church and my friends. My family is my biggest blessing in my life. They bless me by encouraging me, taking care of me and loving me. My church is also a big blessing in my life. The church blesses me because they support me. My friends are a huge blessing in my life. They give me so much joy in my life. All of these things are great blessings in my life but I think the biggest one of all is God because all of these blessings came from God. Without God I would have none of these blessings. God is the greatest thing of all he is great.

Megan Breslin
I have a lot of blessings. My sister is a blessing because I always have someone to play with and I never get bored. My other blessing is my mom. My mom is a blessing because she loves me and cares about me. Another blessing is my dad. My dad is a blessing because I love to sit on his lap and watch T.V. and he is my basketball coach. My other blessing is my pets. They are a blessing because thy always make me laugh and do really funny stuff.

Keely Epplin, Grade 4
I have very many blessings. My family is a big blessing in my life. I have two sisters, a mom, a dad, tow cats, named Flower and Charlie, they are brother and sister. I also have outside animals. I have cows, chickens, a horse, a dog and five ducks. They are very special blessings in my life. Thank you God for these special blessings.

Radom, St. Michael School - Grade 1-2
Brock
I am thankful for everything God made.

Jacob
I am thankful for my uncle. I love him.

Red Bud, St. John the Baptist School
Frederick Grohmann
I am thankful for so many things. I am especially thankful for life. Life is one of the best gifts God has given us. Jesus is definitely the best gift God has given us. Nothing can and ever will beat that gift. Life is very important to us. Without life we wouldn’t learn about God. Without life we wouldn’t even know who they are. I love learning about religion. Religion, faith and knowledge about God and Jesus is very important in our lives. That is why I am thankful for life.

Brad Schaefer
I am thankful for many things. One thing I’m thankful for is my parents. They give me life. They take me to Mass every weekend. I’m so excited when I get there because Father Dennis fills me with God’s grace. I am so thankful for my grandparents. If they weren’t there neither would my parents or me. Plus they pray the rosary every day in the evening.

Devin Schrieber
I am thankful for so many things. My family and friends are the best part of my life. My parents provide a roof over my head, food to eat, and love for me. My dad helps me learn and have enjoyment in my life. My mom is a person I can talk to and get help on homework. My grandparents are helping me be a better person. My friends are gifts. They help me learn and be courageous. If I need help they are there for me. God has given me so much love.

Clay Gilpin
I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I am not handi-capped. I am thankful for all my pets. I am very thankful for my friends. I am thankful that I get food on the table. Every night I Thank God that I am alive. I am thankful that I get an education. I am thankful that God is watching over me. I am thankful for lots of things!

Griffin Fahey, PSR Grade 4
Having food, water and shelter. Be able to go to school even though sometimes I say I hate it but I don’t. My parents have enough money to pay for food. Being able to have birthday parties. Being able to pay for bills. I am thankful that God watches me when hurt or not hurt. I’m thankful I have family.

Joshua Zimmer, PSR
I am thankful for trees, dogs, cats and other animals. I am also thankful for computers, ipad, ipods, cds, water, food, man, the sun, rain, shoes, cars, doctors, hospitals, books, videos, games and I am thankful for movies also I am thankful for snow.

Scheller, St. Barbara
Olivia Massie
I am thankful for having a priest and a church to go to Mass on Sunday. I am also thankful for having a Catholic Church in my town. I’m thankful for my family, friends and food to have. I’m also thankful for a education. I am thankful everything that God has given my family and I.

Adam Kozszek
There are many things I am thankful for. Three things I am thankful for are my family, for living in the country and for my friends. First I am thankful for my family. If it wasn’t for my family I would not be who I am today. Second I am thankful for living in the country. I love living in the country because of the freedom and openness. Third I am thankful for my friends. My friends are always there for me when I need them. There are always things to be thankful for and these are some of mine. And most of all I thank God for everything because He gives us everything.

Smithton, St. John the Baptist School
Lily B.
I am thankful for a family that loves me and cares for me, for all the great and wonderful things God made for us, all the good and healthy food we have to eat and to being able to go to Church. See, there are alot of things you can be thankful for. We can thank God for all the wonderful gifts we got from him. Maybe we can even share all the gifts that we get with kids who don’t have very many gifts. I got all my gifts from St. John’s The Baptist School, the most awesome school ever! Now, there are things that we really need like a bed, warm clothes, a family to take care of us, some friends, a great school, good grades and alot of good food. We may not realize this but God made all of these things: one at a time to make them perfect for us. Every night try to pray to God to thank him for everything he gave us.

Matthew B.
I’m thankful for many of my blessings here are a few. I’m thankful for my family and for my friends. I am blessed with fun pets. I am grateful for my delicious food and for cold water. I am happy to be a Christian and to follow God. I am grateful for a nice house. I am glad to be able to read and to write. I am thankful because I get to do many fun activities. Best of all, I like going to the best school ever, St. John the Baptist!

Valmeyer, St. Mary
Michaela Runge, PSR Grade 4
I am thankful for my family and friends because they both love and care for me, and I am thankful for a good home, food and water because without shelter, food and water you could probably starve.

Sara Andres, PSR Grade 4
I am thankful for family, pets, friends, a good home, church, God, food, water, teachers, freedom, doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, trees, cars, clothing, shelter.

Logan Henerfauth, PSR Grade 3
I am thankful for the food we have to eat, for the families we have. The clothes we have, the house we have and the animals we have.

Waterloo, Gibault Catholic High School
Jana Steibel - Grade 11
I have so many blessings in my life. I’ll start out with the basics; I have a house that has heating and cooling, plus running water. I have a mother and a father, that may not be together, but that still love me and are there for me. They both work hard every day and prove to me that if I want something I have to strive for it, that it’s always there and I have just as much potential as anyone else to reach it. I have three of my four grandparents; they know so much, I just wish I would take the time to sit down and talk to them. I have an older brother that I’m not as close with as I used to be, but I know if I ever needed anything he would be there for me. I have my older sister that I’m glad I have because when I don’t understand something then more than likely she will. Then I have my little sister, I’m calling her one of my blessings because every day I feel like she looks up to me. Then there’s my “bubbi”, my little brother of 11 years old. I feel like I have to protect him from anything. He makes me strive to do my best because I know for a fact the he watches everything I do, and that he also looks up to me. I know I can fairly say he is one of the best blessings of my life. I go to Gibault, A Catholic school. I’m sooo blessed to be able to experience that. Gibault, right behind my family, is one of the biggest blessings of my life. I am blessed to have three jobs. There are people all over the world looking for jobs and God has been fortunate enough to give me some. When I think about quitting, because it’s too much, I realize that this is my chance to show others what I can do and to appreciate what God has given me, it’s my chance to appreciate the little I have. But when you think about it... you have so much. I am blessed with everything that I have, I am blessed with all the people I have met, I am blessed with a family, with friends, with food, with running water, a Catholic education, and God. It’s all I need.

Madi Scace, Grade 11
When Thanksgiving season comes around, we finally remember to give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. We finally stop to consider good things that have happened to us in our life, rather than the bad events in our lives which generally cloud our minds. When thinking about our blessings, the first thing that comes to a person’s mind is their family. In my opinion, my family is one of the most important aspects of my being. My family, and my friends, who I am also grateful for, have helped to shape my personality, and have helped me to become who I am now. I always have someone to turn to if I am having a rough time and need advice. I am extremely blessed to have so many people in my life that care for me, and I only hope that I am also a blessing (not a burden) to them.