Ship of Fools: Blessing of the Animals

Thread: Blessing of the Animals Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Anglican_Brat (# 12349) on :

I will go to my first animal blessing service this evening.

Anyone have experience with such a service? Is there a prescribed liturgy with it?

Posted by Poppy (# 2000) on :

My last church had an animal blessing service. It was very simple as the main event was the blessing of the animals and this took some time as so many people came.

The biggest headache was the health and safety one as you didn't want Fido the dog eating Snuffles the rabbit so dogs had to be on leads and small furries in baskets and cages. The church wardens and sidespeople had mops, buckets and pooper scoopers ready in case the excitment of it all got to the animals.

Posted by Gramps49 (# 16378) on :

Here is a liturgy for the blessing of the animals!

[Code fix. Mamacita, Host]

[ 06. October 2012, 20:27: Message edited by: Mamacita ]

Posted by Pigwidgeon (# 10192) on :

We're on our way in about an hour. My current church has a short, simple service on a Saturday morning, outdoors. (Dogs are on leashes, cats in carriers, assorted other small critters in appropriate containers. One time we had a horse --- reined, not crated.) We're collecting donations for the Humane Society as part of the St. Francis celebration.

A former church had it incorporated in the Sunday morning Eucharist -- but also outdoors.

Posted by Ceremoniar (# 13596) on :

Blessing of animals on feast of St. Francis of Assisi

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :

We celebrated our very first Blessing of the Animals Service this morning, as part of our Giving Thanks for Creation/Francis of Assisi celebrations.

We incorporated the service within the framework of our regular Sunday morning Eucharist, with special readings, prayers and hymns celebrating animals and creation, with hymns etc by Francis as a recurrent backdrop. I'd be only too happy to send anyone a PDF of the service.

We would/had intended to hold the service outside in the park, but given the rain that we had here in Sydney last night, we thought better to play it safe inside. And none of the animals, human or otherwise, did any doo-doos on the carpet, nor bit or scratched one another!

Posted by Galilit (# 16470) on :

Off in an hour or so with Frantzie (well named, eh?) my Min-Pin-X-rescue and a list of our other animals to read out - two big dogs and a 19 year old cat!

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :

I felt it would have been in bad taste (pun intended) to have said this before the service, but IMHO the appropriate blessings for an animal are "for what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful", or if that doesn't count as a blessing, "Lord bless this food to our use and ourselves in thy service".

Both those involve fewer theological problems than "Please let .... win the 3.15".

Posted by Olaf (# 11804) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Enoch:
I felt it would have been in bad taste (pun intended) to have said this before the service, but IMHO the appropriate blessings for an animal are "for what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful", or if that doesn't count as a blessing, "Lord bless this food to our use and ourselves in thy service".

Animals have been domesticated for purposes other than eating for millenia. I really don't see why companionship should be treated any differently than any other reason for animal use.

And if Twinkletoe just happens to win the 3.15 after a blessing...

Posted by Beeswax Altar (# 11644) on :

We had Blessing of the Animals as part of yesterdays 10AM Holy Eucharist. The animals came in the building. At the Words of Institution, as I elevated the Host, a German Shepherd gave two loud strong barks and a cat responded with a sharp reow. I interpret the barks and meows as the Canine and Feline way of saying, "My Lord and my God."

Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :

It might also have been the canine & feline ways of saying "I can haz treet?"

[Smile]

Posted by georgiaboy (# 11294) on :

We had 'Blessing of the Pets' on Saturday morning in the church's enclosed garden (which we call the 'garth').
I was not present, but photo evidence records several dogs on leash, at least 2 cats in carriers, and one 'sugar glider' (Petaurus breviceps, I believe), an Australian marsupial known as the flying possum. It was evidently a young specimen, as it was carried in a pouch worn by the owner.
Sunday's order of service listed the altar flowers as 'given in thanksgiving for the pets of the parish,' which caused a few ribald thoughts (which I kept to myself).

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Olaf:
And if Twinkletoe just happens to win the 3.15 after a blessing...

It's your moral decision who you think owns the winnings.

Posted by Olaf (# 11804) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Enoch:

quote:
Originally posted by Olaf:
And if Twinkletoe just happens to win the 3.15 after a blessing...
It's your moral decision who you think owns the winnings.

Methinks this is why we have a certain Gospel reading next Sunday, so soon after the Feast of St. Francis...

Posted by Percy B (# 17238) on :

It seems to me the blessing of animals frequently rather refers to the blessing of animal companions - pets.

The liturgies seldom seem to mention rather nasty animals [Smile]

- such as the ones that have deadly stings or bites.

Posted by Anglican_Brat (# 12349) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
It seems to me the blessing of animals frequently rather refers to the blessing of animal companions - pets.

The liturgies seldom seem to mention rather nasty animals
- such as the ones that have deadly stings or bites.

My Dean once referred those with snakes and lizards to receive a blessing from the Assistant Curate, while he would take care of the cats and dogs.
[Devil]

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

I've never been to an 'Animal Blessing' myself but being a lover of our furry friends (and even the scaly and warty ones!) I think I would like to.

I imagine there being a nice amiable donkey in attendance [Big Grin]

Posted by Emendator Liturgia (# 17245) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
It seems to me the blessing of animals frequently rather refers to the blessing of animal companions - pets.

The liturgies seldom seem to mention rather nasty animals
- such as the ones that have deadly stings or bites.

I used this pslam variation on Sunday for our Thanksgiving for Creation + Blessing of Animals service:

A Version of Psalm 148
All dogs and cats, large and small:
Praise the Lord!
All rabbits, and guinea pigs:
Praise the Lord!
All goldfish, dugongs, platypus and other swimming creatures:
Praise the Lord!
All kookaburras, budgerigars, galahs and magpies,
Praise the Lord!
All kangaroos, emus and wombats,
Praise the Lord!
All horses, cows, and sheep:
Praise the Lord!
All lizards, snakes and creeping things:
Praise the Lord!
Every animal in the sky, the sea, and the wild:
Praise the Lord!

Posted by Og, King of Bashan (# 9562) on :

Ours was a lovely additional service on Sunday afternoon.

Opening hymn, All Creatures of our God and King.

An introductory prayer in the style of the biding prayer from Lessons and Carols, thanking God for animals, praying for abused and neglected animals, praying for those who mourn for animals, then the Lord's prayer.

The first creation story from Genesis, most of psalm 104, and a bit from Eckhart regarding animals for the readings.

Finally, the animals were blessed with holy water via aspergilum, while the choir sang a setting of "All Things Bright and Beautiful" that the Choirmaster wrote after deciding that the Rutter was just to Rutter.

Closing hymn, "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing," selected for the line "My gracious master and my God."

A lovely event. Our pupster couldn't attend, as she got her social graces from her chow side, and tends to pick fights. But we had her collar blessed.

The highlight of the afternoon was when a cat let out a peep, and every dog head in the room turned in that direction simultaneously.

Posted by dj_ordinaire (# 4643) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Emendator Liturgia:

A Version of Psalm 148
All dogs and cats, large and small:
Praise the Lord!
All rabbits, and guinea pigs:
Praise the Lord!
All goldfish, dugongs, platypus and other swimming creatures:
Praise the Lord!
All kookaburras, budgerigars, galahs and magpies,
Praise the Lord!
...

I like that, especially the platypuses! Seems closer to the Benedicite from Daniel 3 than Ps 148, by the way - and puts me in mind of a set of altar kneelers I once saw which had been embroidered with verses from there. The one with the whales on it was lovely!

Posted by Morgan (# 15372) on :

Our Blessing of the Animals was last Sunday. Last year there were quite a few different animals including an earthworm. This year it was wall to wall (or tree to tree) dogs with one saddle to represent a horse who would have liked to be there but couldn't make it. You can see us here. St Michael and All Angels

Posted by Beeswax Altar (# 11644) on :

I like the idea of bringing a saddle for a horse that's unable to attend. I keep hoping one of the horse people in the parish will bring a horse but they never do. Unfortunately, a horse of any size couldn't fit comfortably anywhere inside my parish.

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :

We skipped it this year so as not to overwhelm New Rector during her first few weeks here, so I'm really enjoying these posts. I would just add that last year we had some folks bring photos of their cats rather than trying to wrangle kitty into the carrier.

Morgan, what a great video. Did you bless the livestock as well?

Posted by Enoch (# 14322) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Beeswax Altar:
I like the idea of bringing a saddle for a horse that's unable to attend. I keep hoping one of the horse people in the parish will bring a horse but they never do. Unfortunately, a horse of any size couldn't fit comfortably anywhere inside my parish.

Does that mean I can send my shoes to church, and don't have to go in person?

Posted by Rural Rev (# 17274) on :

Hope you don't mind if slightly change the focus of this thread - if so please feel free to move me!

Recently we had our beloved Border Collie put to sleep - she was well into her fifteenth year and was struggling with arthritis. We got her a month before we were married and she has been a really key member of the family - maybe that's because we don't have children and as my husband is a farmer, she spent all her time along side him.

What we are really struggling with is what now for her? We have always understood that animals don't have souls but the thought that she has now just gone is very hard for us both.

What do shipmates think about animals, especially pets, and the afterlife?

[Deleted duplicate post. Mamacita, Host]

[ 10. October 2012, 20:54: Message edited by: Mamacita ]

Posted by Morgan (# 15372) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Mamacita:
Morgan, what a great video. Did you bless the livestock as well?

The cameraman has ex-tv experience and is mindful of audience impact. The dogs and saddle are all ours but he added the livestock and the birdbath shot. You can see the backgrounds are different. The shot of the cows just when someone at the tea urn says that the milk has arrived is also a bit of a giveaway.

He pulled back from the service to get a great shot of the birds cavorting in the trees but it was a bit too distant so he added the birds in the birdbath. We do have a birdbath in the church grounds and birds that use it, but again the background is different. A bit of artistic licence.

We also blessed some pets in absentia, mostly those too old or sick to come. People brought a photo or just asked for a blessing. Theologically I think it is closer to praying for those absent and ill, rather than sending your shoes to church to save having to come yourself. But I like your thinking Enoch. I think those sending their shoes should ask the shoe-deliverer to put the appropriate name tag on the shoes so we all know whom to pray for - and we could possibly drop in on the newly blessed after church for a nice cup of tea and gratitude.

Posted by bib (# 13074) on :

We had a family service followed by blessing of the animals and a parish bbq to follow a few weeks ago. The idea was great, but the dogs attending were overstimulated by the bbq, dog fights broke out, and the majority of people with animals who turned up were not there for the church service but came for the bbq. We quickly ran out of food - some of the guests fed their dogs with the sausages intended for the people. I think I'll stay away next year.

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :

quote:
Originally posted by bib:
... blessing of the animals and a parish bbq to follow ...

I'm sorry, that made me laugh.

(So did the rest of the post. Most unfortunate it all went down that way.)

Posted by daisymay (# 1480) on :

Two Sundays ago we had he blessing of the HORSES, with a service outside the church after the morning service inside. And it was not totally dry then. There were loads of horses, and the vicar and his second one and the people in charge of the council and the police were also on horses.

Posted by Nick Tamen (# 15164) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
It seems to me the blessing of animals frequently rather refers to the blessing of animal companions - pets.

The liturgies seldom seem to mention rather nasty animals
- such as the ones that have deadly stings or bites.

Perhaps the congregation should sing "All Things Dull and Ugly"?

[Big Grin]

Posted by Kyzyl (# 374) on :

The only "accident" we've had during pet blessings came a turtle a few years ago. The other critters have been well behaved and housebroken.

Posted by Mamacita (# 3659) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Rural Rev:
Hope you don't mind if slightly change the focus of this thread - if so please feel free to move me!

Recently we had our beloved Border Collie put to sleep - she was well into her fifteenth year and was struggling with arthritis. We got her a month before we were married and she has been a really key member of the family - maybe that's because we don't have children and as my husband is a farmer, she spent all her time along side him.

What we are really struggling with is what now for her? We have always understood that animals don't have souls but the thought that she has now just gone is very hard for us both.

What do shipmates think about animals, especially pets, and the afterlife?

[Deleted duplicate post. Mamacita, Host]

Rural Rev, first I am sorry for your loss. You might find some kindred spirits over on the Furry Family Members thread in All Saints.

I'm pretty sure the question of animals and the afterlife has come up on these boards before, although I didn't have any luck finding an old thread. The topic is better suited to the Purgatory board (seeing as the question is more theological than liturgical), so do feel free to open a thread there.

Mamacita, Eccles Host

Posted by Fr Weber (# 13472) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Nick Tamen:

quote:
Originally posted by Percy B:
It seems to me the blessing of animals frequently rather refers to the blessing of animal companions - pets.

The liturgies seldom seem to mention rather nasty animals
- such as the ones that have deadly stings or bites.
Perhaps the congregation should sing "All Things Dull and Ugly"?

Oh Nick, I was so tempted. Thanks for getting there before me. [Biased]

Posted by Morgan (# 15372) on :

Although aware of the need for loving relationship with the fierce, the ugly, the dangerous etc I confess I asked all who intended physically bringing their animals to ensure that they were either well socialised or well contained.

In the conversations stimulated by the service, parishioners raised interesting issues such as live animal exports and the ecological impact of reintroducing predators such as wolves to eco-systems.

While the service many have seemed to some like just a community event, there were some significant theological issues raised including some by those who were vehemently opposed to animals at church - never attend such things but recognised the different perspectives of others. Some very Anglican discussions ensued!

Posted by Nick Tamen (# 15164) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Fr Weber:
Oh Nick, I was so tempted. Thanks for getting there before me.

Glad to be of help in your avoidance of temptation. [Big Grin]

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