Invitation Extended For Churches’ Annual Blessing Of The Animals

Things are moving along for the annual Blessing of the Animals Celebrations at Trinity Episcopal Church, St Rose of Lima Church, and Newtown United Methodist Church. Services on the weekend of September 30–October 1 will serve as remembrances of St Francis of Assisi, lover of animals whose feast day falls on October 4. Collections at St Rose and Trinity Churches also will benefit the Newtown Dog Pound. Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason will also be available at services.

St Rose of Lima Church and Pastor Bob Weiss anticipate another enjoyable year of blessings at the annual Blessing of the Animals ceremony on Saturday, September 30, beginning at 9 am. Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) coordinator Virginia Jess will also join the parade of residents with some pets from the pound. Residents, their four-legged-friends, and other pets will also have a chance to meet Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason, who has been invited.

“St Rose does an unbelievable blessing,” said Ms Jess, who added, “We’ve had horses, dogs, goats, everything and everyone.”

She then described how all guests gather in a circle. Adding to the atmosphere are local musicians who perform folk music during the service.

“As the group plays some music, all the animals around become quiet,” said Ms Jess, expressing her amazement that the group could be settled. The group forms a parade, and they are blessed, she said. Collections for the Newtown Dog Pound will also take place.

“This is usually a big event, but not chaotic, it’s amazing,” Ms Jess said.

Musicians include Helen Malyszka, Trish Kiel, and Andy LaFerniere.

For more information, contact the church at 426-1014. St Rose of Lima is at 46 Church Hill Road. Pets should be properly leashed or contained. All are welcome.

Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook, will hold a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 1, at 2 pm. Services will take place by the river. All are welcome. Call 426-9998.

Trinity’s celebration will also be observed on Sunday, October 1, although the Episcopal church’s celebration will begin at 4 pm. The blessing will serve this year not only as a commemoration of St Francis of Assisi but to aid the Newtown pound.

Newtown Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason has been invited to attend the event, along with some of her “furry friends” who are in need of finding a good home.

The service will be outdoors, behind the church building. All residents are invited. Organizers hope that Newtown residents, their families, and friends will bring their pets, farm animals, birds, etc. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed teddy bear, dog, etc as well.

The service will include readings, songs of praise, and commemorate the works of St Francis of Assisi. Each animal will receive a blessing along with a certificate. Each person will be able to write his or her own pet’s name onto the certificate. Pastor Kathleen Adams-Shepard, rector, can provide more details about the actual service.

All animals should be appropriately leashed or muzzled, even caged, for their safety and for the safety of others. Pet owners are also asked to bring bags for pet cleanup.

As part of the church’s outreach to the Newtown dog pound, organizers are asking those who attend to bring donations to the service on the pound’s behalf. A special area will be set aside for those who might want to bring some needed items such as paper towels, Iams canned dog food, dishwasher and/or laundry detergent, or beef treats.

Following the Blessing of the Animals, there will be a reception. Refreshments for people and animals will be served.

Trinity Episcopal Church is at 36 Main Street. Parking is available; driveways are available off Main Street and Church Hill Road. For additional information contact Donna Randle at 364-9772 or Jennifer Larsen-Neumann, 268-2192.