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Church to host Blessing of the Animals Sunday
Published Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Trinity Episcopal Church in Clanton will again host this year a Blessing of the Animals service on the grounds of the church located at 503 Second Ave. S., Clanton.
The Blessing of the Animals will take place Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m., and the public is invited to bring their pets or other animals for a special blessing.
The annual blessing service takes place in the tradition of Blessed Francis of Assisi, a 12th century saint of the church who lived in Italy. He was known for his kindness to all animals, recognizing and praising them as part of God’s creation.
“We celebrate every year around the date of the death of Blessed Francis on October 4 a blessing of the animals service as an opportunity for those who love and care for animals,” Father Bill King, Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church, said.
“This takes place, acknowledging the Old Testament book of Genesis teaching that ‘all that God creates is good.’”
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Posted by psychologistdmp (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Is this for real?
I recognize all animals as part of God's creation as well, but really....taking up an entire service....
Posted by heyitsme (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is not an entire service, it is a PART of it, don't pass judgement on what you know nothing about
Posted by psychologistdmp (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You're right. Please explain it to me.
Posted by AllSeeingEye (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey, churches need a marketing plan too. That's what this is - a way to get people in the pews. Folks love their pets - it's a multi-billion dollar industry, so I can see why they're doing this.
I have no problem with it, but people should see it for what it is.
Posted by heyitsme (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It takes place AFTER the church service and people are not required to attend to have their animals blessed. It is always the weekend around Oct 4th as stated in the above article. If you want to read more about Francis of Assisi I found this, it was pretty informative. You should go to it before you pass judgement as well AllSeeing. I have been and it is a nice a thing they do. I've seen cats, dogs, birds, even a pig was blessed. My son is going to take his fish this year. If any one is interested and has more questions they should call the church and ask about it. They are all very friendly people and would be more than happy to provide any information. God bless!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_of_...
Posted by AllSeeingEye (anonymous) on October 1, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Like I said, I have no problem with it. If it makes people feel better to have their pets blessed, more power to them.
Posted by AllSeeingEye (anonymous) on October 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since when is marketing bad - even by churches? If it's not in some part marketing, then how did the Advertiser get this story? Through their outstanding journalism? Right... I'm sure someone from the church contacted the paper for some press. Isn't that marketing? I never said there's anything wrong with a church using marketing or that this was only a marketing ploy.
I'm not being judgmental at all! There's nothing wrong with marketing by churches, and there's nothing wrong with blessing animals. It can be BOTH something good for their congregation and a device to get more people to attend, and there's nothing negative about that. Just because it's been a part of the church for centuries does not mean that it isn't being used to get more people to go to church, and again, there's nothing wrong with that! I actually think it's a brilliant idea to get the Advertiser to write up a story about the service. Maybe some who would never even consider going to a Catholic service will show up and experience something different for a change.
What is wrong with people? I'm sick and tired of those who read what I've written and automatically assume I'm saying something else other than what I've plainly written in English and it's right there in black and white! Stop being so defensive.
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