All Saints North Shore Offers Virtual Blessing of the Animals

Danvers, MA -- All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore and its Perfect Paws Pet Ministry are delighted to announce our heartwarming and inclusive annual event -- the North Shore Blessing of the Animals -- which this year features an engaging twist.

Presided over by The Rev. Mary Scott (“Scottie”) Miller, on Sunday, October 6, at 9:30 AM, the Blessing of the Animals will take a unique, unifying approach by expanding its reach and bringing our community together across platforms—both in-person, at All Saints, and virtually, on Zoom and Facebook.

We invite everyone to join us for this special celebration —whether you're holding photos of cherished animal companions in our sanctuary (Sorry, our beloved pets won't physically grace our sanctuary due to allergies of some parishioners) or cuddling your furry friends at home on Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/134596872 /Meeting ID: 134 596 872). Through raised photographs in the pews and actual animal friends and photos on Zoom, the presence and impact of our animal friends will be felt more profoundly than ever.

Event Details:

- Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024

- Time: 9:30 AM

- Location: All Saints Sanctuary, 46 Cherry Street, Danvers (for those attending in person) and Zoom ((https://zoom.us/j/134596872 /Meeting ID: 134 596 872) for our virtual participants)

Traditionally, the Blessing of the Animals is offered by churches around the world during the week of the Feast of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment, and is meant to remind us of our sacred connection to the natural world and that all creatures are our brothers and sisters under God.

In the Sanctuary:

For those attending in person, The Rev. Mary Scott ("Scottie") Miller will offer pet blessings from the serene sanctuary of All Saints.

- Bring photos of your cherished animal companions, present and past — snapshots that capture their spirit, their quirks, and the love they've brought into your life.

- As you hold up photos, know that the blessing extends not only to your pets but also to you as a caregiver as well as to all animals who share our world.

On Zoom:

Our virtual participants on Zoom will experience the same heartfelt connection.

- Hold your pets close or display their photos on your screen.

- Rev. Scottie's blessings will transcend physical boundaries, reaching out digitally to touch animals and their human companions.

Our pets — whether those with wagging tails, gentle purrs, fins, scales or feathers — enrich our lives in immeasurable ways. They offer solace, joy, and unwavering loyalty. This Blessing of the Animals is our chance to honor them collectively, recognizing their role as cherished blessings in our daily existence.

Everyone is invited! Whether you're a pet owner, an animal lover, or simply appreciate the bond between humans and creatures, come and share in this beautiful tradition. Let's celebrate the animals who bring light to our lives and lift them up in gratitude.

About All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore:

All Saints North Shore is a welcoming worshipping community that embraces diversity, inclusion, compassion, and spiritual growth. Our Perfect Paws Pet Ministry fosters connections between pets, their owners, and the wider community. Join us as we celebrate the blessings of our furry, feathered, and finned friends.