Annual Blessing of Animals on Sunday

Thanks to Wendy Dennis for this announcement: 

Wakefield, MA—Emmanuel Episcopal Church will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi this Sunday, October 20, 2013.  The Italian saint, who lived from 1182-1226, is revered for his simple lifestyle, devotion to helping the poor, and love of nature.  During the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services of Holy Communion, readings and prayers will be offered in honor of St. Francis and his love for creation.

The highlight of the St. Francis celebrations is the parish’s annual Blessing of Animals service, held on the church’s front lawn at 12:00 Noon.  Parishioners, friends of the church, and neighbors from the greater Wakefield community are invited to bring their pets to the church, located at the corner of Main and Bryant Streets and adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Common, for the blessing.  The blessing will be conducted by the Rev. Matthew P. Cadwell, Emmanuel’s rector, with the assistance of Dr. Beth Shurland, a veterinarian at the Reading Animal Clinic and the parish’s Junior Warden.  The annual event is being held a bit later this year owing to Rev. Cadwell’s being away on  a 3-month sabbatical.

 “This lively and joyful service is our annual opportunity to give God thanks in a small way for all of the creatures who offer so much happiness and companionship, and to ask God’s continuing blessing and health for them,” said the Rev. Cadwell.  Animals of all sorts are welcome.  Some participants bring photographs for those pets that do not travel well.  Children are invited to bring stuffed animals to be blessed as well.  “All creatures which bring joy and comfort to their human family and friends are welcome. Often, we have as many stuffed animals as we do live ones,” Cadwell noted.

Anyone in the greater community is welcome to attend the animal blessing, regardless of attendance at the Sunday morning services or denominational affiliation.  Weather permitting, the blessing will be held on the church's front lawn, directly across from the Common.  In the event of rain, it will be held in the church's Bryant Street courtyard.