Today (Monday) as I write this column we celebrate the feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael, the patron feast day of our parish. It is a good day to reflect on the life and vitality that we experience here at St. Michael’s. Over the past several years, we have put a lot of effort into keeping our weekend and weekday liturgies reverent, worshipful, and meaningful.

Our music ministry adds much in that area. John Volpe, and all our cantors and choirs, share their time and talent with us to enhance that worship. Last weekend, I was particularly moved in prayer by the variety and the quality of the music selections. Good music makes such a difference in touching our emotions and bringing us to God. I am so grateful.

As we move into the month of October and we celebrate the feast of St. Francis, we also approach the Annual Blessing of the Animals! Each year we invite you to bring your pets to Church on a Tuesday afternoon just before religious education classes. We have a prayer service and sprinkling with holy water. We thank God for the gift of love and affection these small creatures bring into our lives and ask God to watch over them and to protect them from harm. We even have a DIY blessing that can be taken home for a pet that cannot be with us on that day .

Through the years we have had a great variety of pets – from turtles and snakes and the usual dogs and cats to stuffed animals. All are welcome and will be blessed. St. Francis the great animal lover beckons you.
Abby of course will be hosting again this year and will want to say hello to everyone who arrives! We may even have Honey !