Dear Friends in Christ:
There is much to celebrate this weekend. Sally and I have just arrived back from Diocesan Convention. Convention is held once a year, typically in October, at which the clergy and lay delegates from around the diocese gather for the business of the church. This was Bishop Kym’s first convention as the bishop of Colorado. Your delegates were Kenny Rogers, Nicki and Pat Rippee, and Sally. As usual, the time was quite inspiring and provided all of us with ideas for the future. You would have been proud that Sally once again provided the music for the services during convention and Kenny was a chalice bearer for the opening Eucharist and presided at Morning Prayer. Nothing quite like reading for five hundred people!
The drive home was spectacular. We came south on Highway 285 from Denver and the aspen trees were beautiful and, at most locations, were at their prime. It made the trip quite special.
Blessing of the Animals
Tomorrow, October 6, is our St. Francis blessing of the animals. The blessing of animals has become quite traditional here at St. Patrick’s and a special occasion for parishioners and townspeople alike. Typically a lot of dogs are blessed but I have also blessed horses, alpaca, and a bull. I have avoided snakes to date but every year I hold my breath. Could this be the year that someone brings their pet snake? The service of blessing will begin at 11:45 near the labyrinth. We will cut coffee hour a little short so everyone’s pet can be blessed.
Gratitude Sunday
October 13 is Gratitude Sunday. We are setting aside this day to be thankful and show our appreciation for the great gifts God has given to our parish family and to all its organizations. We are asking every group in the church, including classes and spirituality groups to make a poster to exhibit in the parish hall next Sunday. The hall will be open Saturday morning so posters can be placed. I believe it will truly be a wonderful experience to see a poster from every group in the church and how they show their gratitude to God for their ministries.
Sunday Night Unplugged
October 13 is also our next Sunday Night Unplugged. This is a meditation service with beautiful music and silences for contemplative thoughts and prayers. The focus this month will be our gratitude for our many pets we have enjoyed, and especially for those that have died. There will be a special time for prayer for our deceased and beloved pets. The music is going to be provided by Robert and Sally Neel. I know that you know both are outstanding musicians.
Celebrations and Grief
Zack Irons and Meredith Murphey were married today in Albuquerque. They will be in church for a special blessing of their marriage when they return from the honeymoon. What a wonderful occasion for gratitude.
Also do keep the family and friends of Eileen Godfrey. She died a week ago and will be sorely missed and grieved by all of us. And yet we have deep gratitude for her life and all the many people whose lives she touched.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Doug