St. James' Episcopal Church Blessing of Animals May 17, 2009 One of the more unusual animals at the pet blessing, Angelo, a Goffin Cockatoo who makes his home with the Vanden Bosch family. We were also entertained by a singing Weimaraner! Both enjoyed the day and a blessing from Fr. Kelly.

St. James' Continues Tradition of Animal Blessing
on Rogation Sunday

Rogation Sunday is a day set aside to thank God for creation and ask blessings upon crops and animals. It has become our tradition at St. James' to hold this Blessing of Animals service on Rogation Sunday. Once again, we were blessed with a day of bright sunshine, blue skies, and a warm, gentle breeze.

We gathered on the church lawn. There were big dogs and little dogs; rescue dogs and therapy dogs; nine cats, a gerbil, and a Goffin Cockatoo! Animals and their owners greeted one another. We sang songs of praise to God for the wonderful creatures He has blessed our lives with. We heard a beautiful prayer by Gerard Manley Hopkins. We offered prayers for animals trained in service and our beloved departed pets. Fr. Kelly blessed each animal (or family of animals) present praying that God bless them with good health, a long life, and a happy home. We enjoyed some snacks and a time of fellowship and had a chance to learn more about animals trained for therapy (hospital and nursing home visits, etc.).

Thanks to all who came and brought their animals. Special thanks to the service animals from K-9's for Compassion. Enjoy the photos!

To see more photos from this year's event, visit our on-line photo gallery by clicking on the link below. You don't want to miss these great photos!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/sharynfees/2009AnimalBlessing#

To see photos from past animal blessing events, follow the links below:

2008
2007
 

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