Saturday, October 6, 2012
2-4pm
WHAT IS THE BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS?
Although the Blessing of the Animals began as an Anglican event, it is observed by many denominations of people and pets nowadays. Episcopalians are particularly known for their pet-friendly values and preservation of creation. All pets and their parents in the community are welcome and encouraged to participate in this worship service set aside each year to lift up the well-being of creatures and their stewards in prayer. The service originated in commemoration of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th 1226. The celebration of St. Francis Day has continued through the centuries.
"No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated." --Kevin Mackin, O.F.M.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT THE SERVICE?
For the safety and comfort of everyone, all animals must be humanely restrained, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. In addition, we ask that pets who are aggressive toward other pets or people not attend. If a pet is not comfortable in public or if a pet is sick, the owner may bring a photograph for prayers. Pooper scooper materials will be made available, and of course, we ask that everyone respect the National Historic Registered church grounds of Christ Church by keeping pets off landscaped areas.
Pets and their parents will gather on the front lawn for the blessing (we have a rain plan) and all participants will receive a service guide so they can follow along. We often host quite a variety of pets! Guest priest, Father Jim Prevatt, will officiate. He is a wonderful speaker and has led many Blessings of the Animals over his years of service. The service itself is short, only about 15-20 minutes, after which he will touch and bless (pray over) each individual animal. Each pet will receive a tag marked, "I was blessed at Christ Church". Following the Blessing Service, a small pet fair is usually offered.
WHAT IS THE PET FAIR?
The pet fair is offered as a community service. This year, veterinarian, Dr. Bill Dawkins, will be on duty to provide free exams and consultation. We are also very pleased to have Wendy Tucker, a local pet portraiture artist, onsite to display some of her amazing work and we will have a selection of pet educational materials for distribution. Word has it that Chad & Mrs. Tucker of FOX 8 News might be bringing Otis for a blessing too! Donations are not required to attend, but will be accepted to assist local, unemployed families with keeping their pets and will be distributed through East Stokes Outreach Ministries. Animal Rescue of Stokes County will also be onsite with adoptables and information about the new Stokes Spay/Neuter transport program.
WHO WAS THIS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI?
St. Francis was born into an Italian family of great wealth but chose to devote his life to poverty, concern for the poor and the sick, and he especially delighted in God's works as revealed in nature through living creatures. He developed a religious order called "The Friars Minor." Francis and the friars travelled from place to place preaching, serving the outcast, caring for lepers, cleaning churches, giving food to thieves, praying, and praising God. They embraced radical poverty, owning nothing, and were often thought to be "crazy" because of it. Francis believed that owning nothing was the ultimate freedom, as possessions could no longer control him. The Friars were often mocked, spat upon, and had stones thrown at them. Francis called this treatment "pure joy" because he knew such treatment freed them from caring about the opinions of others to focus on God.
Francis had a special love for and relationship with animals; to this day he is the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology. It is said that animals were tame and gentle around him and seemed to understand Francis' words. He was able to tame a vicious wolf that had been attacking people. It is reported that at times Francis would sit outside to pray and the birds would sit on his shoulders and squirrels would crawl into his lap. You might recognize this famous quote:
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who deal likewise with their fellow men." ~St. Francis of Assisi
Although the Blessing of the Animals began as an Anglican event, it is observed by many denominations of people and pets nowadays. Episcopalians are particularly known for their pet-friendly values and preservation of creation. All pets and their parents in the community are welcome and encouraged to participate in this worship service set aside each year to lift up the well-being of creatures and their stewards in prayer. The service originated in commemoration of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4th 1226. The celebration of St. Francis Day has continued through the centuries.
"No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated." --Kevin Mackin, O.F.M.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT THE SERVICE?
For the safety and comfort of everyone, all animals must be humanely restrained, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers. In addition, we ask that pets who are aggressive toward other pets or people not attend. If a pet is not comfortable in public or if a pet is sick, the owner may bring a photograph for prayers. Pooper scooper materials will be made available, and of course, we ask that everyone respect the National Historic Registered church grounds of Christ Church by keeping pets off landscaped areas.
Pets and their parents will gather on the front lawn for the blessing (we have a rain plan) and all participants will receive a service guide so they can follow along. We often host quite a variety of pets! Guest priest, Father Jim Prevatt, will officiate. He is a wonderful speaker and has led many Blessings of the Animals over his years of service. The service itself is short, only about 15-20 minutes, after which he will touch and bless (pray over) each individual animal. Each pet will receive a tag marked, "I was blessed at Christ Church". Following the Blessing Service, a small pet fair is usually offered.
WHAT IS THE PET FAIR?
The pet fair is offered as a community service. This year, veterinarian, Dr. Bill Dawkins, will be on duty to provide free exams and consultation. We are also very pleased to have Wendy Tucker, a local pet portraiture artist, onsite to display some of her amazing work and we will have a selection of pet educational materials for distribution. Word has it that Chad & Mrs. Tucker of FOX 8 News might be bringing Otis for a blessing too! Donations are not required to attend, but will be accepted to assist local, unemployed families with keeping their pets and will be distributed through East Stokes Outreach Ministries. Animal Rescue of Stokes County will also be onsite with adoptables and information about the new Stokes Spay/Neuter transport program.
WHO WAS THIS ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI?
St. Francis was born into an Italian family of great wealth but chose to devote his life to poverty, concern for the poor and the sick, and he especially delighted in God's works as revealed in nature through living creatures. He developed a religious order called "The Friars Minor." Francis and the friars travelled from place to place preaching, serving the outcast, caring for lepers, cleaning churches, giving food to thieves, praying, and praising God. They embraced radical poverty, owning nothing, and were often thought to be "crazy" because of it. Francis believed that owning nothing was the ultimate freedom, as possessions could no longer control him. The Friars were often mocked, spat upon, and had stones thrown at them. Francis called this treatment "pure joy" because he knew such treatment freed them from caring about the opinions of others to focus on God.
Francis had a special love for and relationship with animals; to this day he is the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology. It is said that animals were tame and gentle around him and seemed to understand Francis' words. He was able to tame a vicious wolf that had been attacking people. It is reported that at times Francis would sit outside to pray and the birds would sit on his shoulders and squirrels would crawl into his lap. You might recognize this famous quote:
"If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who deal likewise with their fellow men." ~St. Francis of Assisi
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for sharing your thoughts...