Faiths Come Together in Malverne to Give Thanks

Before you start basting the turkey, making plans to attend the big parade in New York City or cleaning your house for the family members that will be staying over, I want to tell you about one of the best parts of the Thanksgiving holiday. It happens in our quaint village of Malverne- the Ecumenical Service.

For 35 years, the Ecumenical Service is the one day of the year that all the followers of the various faiths in Malverne come together and partake in a joyous ceremony. The ministers from the , the and , a priest from and a rabbi from the all collaborate to make this a memorable and spiritual night. 

Every year the location of the service changes.  It rotates from the different houses of worship in the village. For example, one year it can be at the Church of the Intercessor and then the next, it may be at the Malverne Jewish Center. No matter where the ceremony is held though, there is always a welcoming feeling that fills the walls of each house of worship.

In the past, the Ecumenical Service usually took place on Thanksgiving Eve, however,  low turn-out in recent years prompted the community leaders to move it to the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This year the service will be held this Sunday, Nov. 21 at 7p.m. at Our Lady Lourdes Church.

"It is a wonderful event," said Pat Dougherty, of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. "Having all the people from different religious backgrounds come together for this ceremony is fantastic."

Dougherty also recalled how beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes Church has been decorated in the past.  The altar was filled with the harvest and it was very colorful. 

I not only encourage you to attend the service this year, but also suggest that before you go, reflect on the past year and what you are thankful for. Many people have had a hectic year, but now it is time to sit back and give thanks to the people around you.

I am thankful for my family, because they are always supportive of me. I know they are always there. Not to sound cliché, but I am also thankful for living in Malverne. This village is extremely welcoming and I have met many great individuals that I would not have come to know if I did not live in this unique place. 

I hope you enjoy the Ecumenical Service this year and on behalf of the Malverne-West Hempstead Patch, I would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.