Community
11 October, 2024
Our blessed companions
DERRINALLUM’S Uniting Church is inviting all creatures great and small to drop by and be blessed this Sunday.
A ‘blessing of the animals’ will be held at the church, located at 56 Main Street, Derrinallum, from 2.30pm.
Reverend Hayden McKeller of the Tertiary Society of St Francis of Assisi said the animal blessings will be a drop-in, drop-out format.
“You drop in with your pet, and we’ll bless them, and you then wander off,” he said.
“There’s no formal service in the church – it’s like last year, when we had it outside and people came in with their dog, cat, chook, or pet snail.
“It’s basically a drop-in - we’ll have a chat, have a pat, and a blessing.
“Whatever comes, comes - and if we don’t have anyone, we just pray for those around here.
“We also pray for farm animals which may not be pets as people see them, but they’re very important for farming communities.”
Residents are invited to bring their pets along, whether they be traditional pets such as dogs and cats, or more out-there companions like a pet sheep or a lizard.
Rev McKeller said the animal blessing provided an opportunity for residents to think about the importance of animals in their lives.
“The reason behind that is a recognition that we are a part of God’s creation,” he said.
“God created all, and we’re custodians of that, and they share their life with us.
“Animals all have a part to play in our life, even if you don’t have a pet or you had a pet as a child.
“We recognised that as being part of your family.”