Trinity Episcopal Church held its
annual Blessing of the Animals service, which is in commemoration of
St Francis of Assisi, in its playground on October 4. About two
dozen people showed up for the 9 am service, bringing a menagerie of
animals with them. Animals came on leash, in crates, and some were
represented by photographs. All received blessings by Pastor Kathie
Adams-Shepherd.—Bee Photos, Hicks
Bunnies, chickens, and
guinea pigs rubbed elbows (beaks?) with dogs, cats, and stuffed
animals of all shapes and sizes last Saturday morning when members
of Trinity Episcopal Church celebrated the feast day of St Francis
of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
About two dozen people participated in a brief Blessing of the
Animals service that took place in the playground at the Episcopal
church on Main Street.
The majority of those who showed up for the service brought their
dogs with them. A poodle, a German shepherd, and a bulldog all
checked each other out, and then went on with their business,
putting on their best behavior for their owners.
Those who could not bring their animals with them brought photos
instead. That is why there were photos of a crab and a guinea pig
seen resting on top of crates that held a rooster and a cat, while
other folks held on to the photos of their pets. On another crate
rested a stuffed pink calico cat, and on another was a stuffed pink
and white elephant. One young boy, Adam Bowditch, apparently could
not decide which of his creatures would represent his flock, so the
young shepherd walked around with an armload of stuffed animals.
Maddy and Hannah Albee knelt with
their dog Barney, who was the first to receive a blessing from
Pastor Kathie on October 4.
The Reverend Kathleen
Adams-Shepherd conducted the service. Her prayers and readings
included in part a celebration of the "Merciful Creator, [whose]
hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature;
make us always thankful for your loving providence; make us
sensitive and caring instruments of blessings for these pets you
have given into our care; make us faithful stewards of all your good
gifts…"
Pastor Kathie then around to each person, offering individual
blessings to those gathered and their animals. Her prayers offered a
blessing to the pet and those who care for them.
A prayer of Thanksgiving followed, with the group praying
together, and then the service closed with everyone singing "All
Things Bright and Beautiful."
Trinity was one of at least three Newtown churches that hosted
Blessings of the Animal events last weekend. St Rose held its annual
event at the stable outside St Rose School on Saturday morning, and
Newtown United Methodist Church held its celebration on Sunday
afternoon.
An outdoor service to celebrate St Francis seems perfect for a
Blessing of the Animals, considering the saint's legendary love of
the natural world. At Trinity Church, adults and parents enjoyed the
fresh air (as did their pets, of course, without worry of spoiling
the church building's interior), and the children who attended were
allowed to run within the area and play on the playground equipment.
Their chirping and laughter would have sounded like music to the
ears of St Francis.