Blessing of the pets
The Revd Jo and Philip Robb of Carrick with Felix the cat and Marco the dog. Photo P. Robb
Dogs, cats and tadpoles
The Parish of Quamby held their annual Blessing of the Pets Service on Saturday 10 October at St Andrew’s Church, Carrick.
The service celebrates pets, what they mean to us all and the love, loyalty and joy they bring to us all.
This year Revd Jo Pyecroft blessed close to 200 animals including the usual suspects of dogs and cats but also included several bags of tadpoles.
It was truly joyous occasion with the animals showing great reverence for the Church and quietening down just as Revd Jo read the first passage from scripture. Indeed, unless you witnessed this amazing feat you would not believe just how suddenly all the animals were silenced.
Revd Jo was ably assisted by Revd Marie White and this service commenced some years ago when Bishop John’s wife Gayelene visited us. It has been a must on our annual calendar since then. Revd Jo takes pride in individually blessing all the animals not just giving them a group blessing.
The service is continuing to grow in popularity in the Carrick township where we provide the only Christian Church presence.
As is usual there were free activities for the children and this year they were treated to free pony rides. The ponies actually made an entrance to the church for the service as well.
The Friends of Quamby (our fundraising group) provided a BBQ and there were several stalls selling, cakes, vegetables, jams and assorted bric a brac. There was also music provided by the Launceston City Band in the picturesque grounds.
This event is just one of many outreach events conducted by the Parish in our three historic churches at Hagley, Westbury and Carrick.