Connecting the Diocese

Connecting the Diocese


Thanksgiving Prep with Cathy Cooper: Hospitality, Faith, and Family

November 15, 2025

Join us on this special episode of ‘Connecting the Diocese’ as we prepare for Thanksgiving with Cathy Cooper, the coordinator of hospitality and food services for the Diocese of La Crosse. Cathy shares her wealth of experience in creating warm and welcoming environments, offering practical tips for planning meals, involving the whole family, and extending hospitality to guests. Learn her favorite Thanksgiving memories, get inspired by heartwarming stories, and discover new ways to make this holiday meaningful. We also reflect on the upcoming memorials of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and the presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tune in to enhance your holiday preparations with insights on gratitude, community, and faith.

00:31 Meet Cathy Cooper: Coordinator of Hospitality

04:19 Thanksgiving Memories and Traditions

08:10 Cooking Tips and Family Involvement

12:29 Saints and Thanksgiving Reflections

13:54 Practical Thanksgiving Hosting Tips

22:19 Thanksgiving Meal Preparation

31:07 Overcoming Hosting Nerves

32:09 Thanksgiving Preparations and Tips

35:53 Balancing Tradition and New Recipes

37:41 Making Thanksgiving Healthier

39:19 Creative Leftover Ideas

42:29 Saint Cecilia’s Story

45:55 Welcoming Others on Thanksgiving

48:04 Creating a Warm, Faith-Filled Environment

53:20 The Power of Food in Bringing People Together

57:26 Thanksgiving Reflections and Gratitude