Dogs out in force for pet blessing

As has become tradition, the memorial day of St. Francis was celebrated with a blessing of the animals at the St. Clement's morning service. Dogs were out in force with their human companions, many of whom were sporting orange shirts to remember the experience of children in residential schools. 

The congregation learned a new Swahili blessing song to sing during the blessing, we practised blessing each other as well, and we learned what Ron Rolheiser had to say about the three aspects of a blessing in Sacred Fire - and how they apply to our pets and other of God's creatures. 

Thank you to Kath Biebrich and Sandra Weir for their photos, and to all who brought their pets and made the service such a lively affair!