The Season of Creation Week 2

The Season of Creation, St. Francis, and the Blessing of the Animals 

Dear Friends, 

We are now well into the second week of the Season of Creation, which will conclude with the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th. 

Here is a prayer for this week, created by The Third Order of the Society of St. Francis:

God of unchangeable power, 

when you fashioned the world, 

the morning stars sang together and the host of heaven shouted for joy; 

open our eyes to the wonders of creation and teach us to use all things for good, 

to the honor of your glorious name;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Action of the Week

St. Francis taught us about taking action in the world. I invite you to think about this simple action as we reflect on the Season of Creation:

“Single-use” plastics are a significant source of pollution. This week, perhaps try keeping a list of everything that you end up having to throw out after one use. Is there a way that you can make more use of recyclable, or multi-use products?

The Blessing of the Animals

On October 4th, we will have a “Blessing of the Animals” as a part of our Feast of St. Francis Service. To enable wide participation, and to recognise that everyone has different levels of comfort around the animals we share the Earth with, the prayer and blessing will be conducted with photographs only. 

Between now and September 30th, you are invited to submit a photo of an animal that has brought you joy in your life, past or present, to me, Father Shawn. You can submit the image digitally at this special email address: photos@therevdrshawn.ca. You can also simply give me a printed photo. In your email (or on the back of the photo) please include your name and the name of your pet / animal companion / animal that brings you joy. 

Peace and all Good, 

Father Shawn