Why bless animals

Francis of Assisi provides an opportunity to teach children about endangered or abused animals and what we can do to help. Related Events. Sometimes is it difficult to keep our stewardship commitment active during the summer months when so many of us are on vacation yet there are many reasons we need to!

The most recent communication from the Seattle Archdiocese about the strategic planning developments regarding St…. Follow us on Facebook. Make sure we have your email address. Sign up for Online Giving. These are a few action steps we can all take today to help our parish. Wished you could share it with a friend? By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan.

May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! As the prayer is offered, the pet is gently sprinkled with holy water. Believe it or not, most pets receive this sacramental spritz with dignity, though I must admit I have seen some cats flatten their ears a bit as the drops of water lightly pelt them.

Usually the Blessing of Pets is held outdoors. But I remember it rained one year, and all were invited inside St.

It was quite a sight to see pairs of creatures—one human, one animal—sitting in the pews. The pastor joined right in with his beagle. Some people criticize the amount and cost of care given to pets. People are more important, they say. Care for poor people instead of poodles. A Blessing of Animals, in many congregations, witnesses to God's and the Church's love, care, and concern for creation.

As we recognize our mutual interdependence with God's creatures, the Church's witness of stewardship of creation is strengthened. It is also a service with special appeal to children. The Blessing is best celebrated during daylight in the outdoors—in the churchyard or in a park.

It may be celebrated at any time of the year, especially in early spring, or on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, October 4. Make allowances for the arrival of larger animals such as horses and other livestock. The space may contain a table on which the Bible or musical instruments may be placed.

Music is best led by instruments that work well outdoors—trumpets, accordions, drums, and guitars. Bulletins are awkward and should be used only to provide the texts of hymns to be sung. When most animals and their friends have arrived, the leader invites all to form a large circle around the table.

The leader begins:. The animals of God's creation inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea.