Bulletin Date: October 2, 2010 4:00 am
Feast of St Francis and the Blessing of Pets
Prayers
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that, as we celebrate the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose; in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most high, omnipotent, good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis, we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, with your breath you gave life to all creatures, and declared them good. Keep us mindful of this first, most holy blessing as we gather here today to offer our own blessings upon these, our companion animals. Remind us always that we were created in your image—the image of a loving and compassionate God. And in this image we are called to care for your creation. Open our hearts and minds to the lessons we may learn from our companions; to live fully in the present, to love unconditionally, to face each day expecting joy. Help us always to do your will on earth, so that you may look upon our work and declare it good. Amen.
(Lynn L. Caruso)
Lessons
Psalm 148:7-14 Page 806, BCP
7
Praise the LORD from the earth, *
you sea-monsters and all deeps;
8
Fire and hail, snow and fog, *
tempestuous wind, doing his will;
9
Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
10
Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and winged birds;
11
Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12
Young men and maidens, *
old and young together.
13
Let them praise the Name of the LORD, *
for his Name only is exalted,
his splendor is over earth and heaven.
14
He has raised up strength for his people
and praise for all his loyal servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Hallelujah!
Matthew 11:25-30
Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Blessing of Pets
Live without fear. Your creator loves you, made you holy and has always cared for you. Go in peace to follow the good road, and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen.
(Bishop Mark S. Sisk)
Litany of Thanksgiving
Officiant: We thank you, God, for your goodness and loving-kindness for all that you have so wonderfully made. For all your creatures who swim in the oceans, lakes and rivers, for fish and whales, for starfish and seals;
People: We thank you, Lord.
Officiant: For all your creatures who walk upon the land, for horses and cats, for bears and insects, for elephants and dogs;
People: We thank you, Lord.
Officiant: For all your creatures that fly about our heads, for the wonder of their flight and the joy of their song;
People: We thank you, Lord.
Officiant: For every creature you have made to fill your creation with color, song, and beauty.
People: We thank you, Lord.
Benediction
Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.
(Traditional Celtic Blessing)
Dismissal
Officiant: Go in peace to love the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
People: Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.