As autumn arrives, people in various places may notice something odd. A procession of animals, everything from dogs and cats to hamsters and even horses, is led to churches for a special ceremony called the Blessing of Pets. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures. Francis, whose feast day is October 4th, loved the larks flying about his hilltop town. He and his early brothers, staying in a small hovel, allowed themselves to be displaced by a donkey.

 

Francis wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God's living things. "All praise to you, Oh Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures." And there was testimony in the cause for St. Clare of Assisi's canonization that referred to her little cat! That there are today over 62 million cats in the U.S. attests to the continuing affection we have for our furry, feathered or finned friends. We've even had a cat called Socks in the White House. Other popular presidential pets range from Abraham Lincoln's Fido to Lyndon Johnson's beagles, named Him and Her.

 

For single householders, a pet can be a true companion. Many people arrive home from work to find a furry friend overjoyed at their return. Many a senior has a lap filled with a purring fellow creature. The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship, because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye-to-eye, a man and his dog, or a woman and her cat, are two creatures of love. No wonder people enjoy the opportunity to take their animal companions to church for a special blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated. At Franciscan churches, a friar with brown robe and white cord often welcomes each animal with a special prayer. The Blessing of Pets usually goes like this: "Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen."

From the Clergy & Vestry

2010 for St. Thomas is a year of transition into an exciting new vision for the Parish.  As we adapt to this new vision, our calling as Anglicans shall ground and center us as we move forward.  In a time of uncertainty about the future and how we will be able to cope with the myriad of pressures that challenge us, St. Paul reminds us to 'stand firm' to 'stand confidently' on Christ who is the Rock.  Ephesians tells us there are seven founding unities from which believers may take courage (4:4-6) 'one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.'
 
In 2010 St. Thomas will be known as the leader in Anglo-Catholicism on the West Coast by our practice and our example.  We shall faithfully educate ourselves and others in our liturgical ways.  We shall continue to provide a range of Masses:  Daily, Gregorian, Latin, Evensong, Low Sunday, High Sunday with Choir. 
 
In 2010 we shall innovate with a yearlong training program for seminarians.  We will move from concept to practice with the launch of a Sunday School for our youth.  We shall expand our Adult Education programs.  We will regularly bring in renowned experts who will share their knowledge, lead services and conduct seminars during their visit.
 
In 2010 we will continue our commitment to the sick and infirm.  We will maintain our outreach to the homeless and those in need.  We will educate and be given guidance with our local community in matters related to health, money and life management.
 
In 2010 we will meet the Diocesan recommendations for salary for the Rector.  We will provide additional hours for our Assistant Priest and Deacon.  We will retain the highest quality of office personnel.  We will continue our Christian responsibility of contribution to the Diocese.
 
In 2010 our music liturgy will grow further under our Organist-in-Residence, his scholar and our Choirmaster providing for consistent excellence.  We will fully fund our Choir and Music programs.
 
In 2010 we will continue our commitment to being good stewards of our physical plant with continued commitment to environmental stewardship.  We will continue the Acoustics project and will conduct a campus-wide needs assessment.
 
In 2010 we ask you to stand firm with us as we stand firm with Christ.  We ask you to maintain your pledge and increase it by 10% to meet our united vision.  Please communicate with your Every Member Canvass partner and submit your pledge after prayerful consideration.  With your love, prayers and generosity in 2010 we will continue to fulfill our mission being called by God to be a holy place where love is found, where all are named and where hearts are freed to change the world.

Starting October 11, 2009 at 9:15am will be a Book Discussion on Samuel Wells' book "Power & Passion."  The book looks at the passion of Christ by examining 6 different characters: Pontius Pilate, Barabbas, Joseph of Arimathea, Pilate's Wife, Peter and Mary Magdalene.  

 

"Power & Passion" was chosen by the Archbishop of Canterbury as his Lent book for 2007, but it is a book that can be shared any time we need to reconsider our own power in the light of the power of Jesus' resurrection and allow our own passion to be renewed by the passion of Christ. 

The book discussion will be held on Sunday's from 9:15am to 9:45am in the Small Parish Hall. 

 

Shireen Baker, a seminarian, will lead the book discussion.  You may purchase the book at Amazon or any other retailer.

It's time to re-register your Ralph's Card for Community Rewards. Ralph's requires everybody do this every September, even if you registered in August! 

 

Associate Rector

One-on-one Pastoral counseling is available.  Please contact the office (323-876-2102 ext 2) to schedule an appointment with the Clergy.

Missa Vigil hoc septem dies cum lingua Latina. Missa mos ineo 5 meridianus et cum ero Abeo Gregoriana in Ecclesiae Parochiae Sancta Thomasiensis.

[The Vigil Mass on Saturday will be in Latin this week.  Join us at 5pm in the Church with Gregorian Chant.]
 

Interesting facts about

St. Thomas the Apostle

 

St Thomas Website