| To Parents and Catechists: You might want to combine this prayer service with a field trip to a zoo or safari park. Have clay available for when you return or for use during the service if the service is held at home or in the classroom. |
We Remember Saint Francis of Assisi
The Story of Saint Francis
Saint Francis of Assisi was a very holy man. He saw God's love in everything God made—in the sun and moon, in animals and birds and fish, and in people. He called all these creatures his brothers and sisters.
Saint Francis believed that all God's creatures were meant to live together in peace. He reminded the people of this by the kind and gentle way he treated them. The animals and fish seemed to understand in a special way. They often gathered around and listened as Francis spoke to them of God's love and asked God to bless them.
A Prayer of Praise
Think for a moment of all the wonderful animals, birds, and fish, that fill our world. Choose one that is your favorite or that you feel is in danger. Use clay to form an image of this animal. Praise God for its beauty, strength, or wonder.
Listen to God's Word
Look at the birds of the air. Look at the flowers. See how beautiful they are.
If God takes care of the birds and the flowers, surely God will take care
of you! From Matthew 6:26-33
A Blessing of the Animals
Gather in procession with your friends or family holding your clay animal, bird, or fish. Process together to a special place in the room where the Bible is kept.
Leader: Dear God, on this feast of Saint Francis, we come to ask your blessing on us and on our brothers and sisters of the Earth that you have given us to care for. (Each person holds up his/her animal and says:)
Each: God, I praise you for (name your animal, and tell something about it.) Please bless all animals and let them continue to give you praise.
All: Amen.
Leader: We give you thanks, dear God, for all the wonders that you have created for our world. Bless them and protect them. Bless us, too, and help us to love and care for these beautiful creatures you have put in our world. Teach us to respect and care for them.
My Prayer Goes On
Keep your animal figure in a place where you will see it and praise God for the animal it represents.
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