Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE Oct.  14, 2018
A church in Shawville went to the dogs – and one ferret – on Oct. 14, when a celebration of the animals took place.
While few families joined the group, ministers from Area Parish of Renfrew-Pontiac still taught the creation story to children and blessed the pets that joined them on the Sunday afternoon, on the St. Paul’s Anglican Church lawn.
Rev. Susan Lewis, assistant curate for the parish, said that the blessing of the animals has historically been tied to celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, on Oct. 4. She explained that the celebrations tied to the day are meant to thank God for creation, and all the gifts that came with it.

Traditionally, the blessing has been a straight-forward affair, or would be tied to the regular mass. However, Lewis and the new incumbent minister Rev. Eric Morin decided to open it up as an interactive event.
“I’ve always wanted to do one designed for the whole family, be outdoors, enjoy the weather, and have fun with whoever shows up,” said Rev. Lewis.
Incorporated with that fun was art activities and the retelling of the creation story, with an emphasis on visuals. Lewis sat with the gathered children and depicted the story using colours, shapes and different materials.
This approach is a method Lewis and the other ministers of the parish would like to continue with other events, so as to make their teachings accessible to a larger crowd and different age groups.
“Church today has to be relevant to people and their lives, especially for families, all kinds of families,” she said.
Following the story, the animals were brought forward for their blessings. Most dogs recoiled when the water was splashed upon them, perhaps reminded of their housetraining as pups, and George the ferret proved the bravest of the bunch, greeting the blessing the most curiously.
After, families were free to enjoy refreshments as the children and pets played.
“[This] is a time to come together and celebrate,” said Lewis. “We have to celebrate the gifts God gives us and family is a big part of that.”