You and your loved ones are most welcome to join our parish family for these and other special events, both at the Church and in the local community. Please check upcoming events and mark your calendar.
Our Bishop’s Annual Visit. Please join us in the Church, at 10:45 AM on a Sunday in August, for our regular Sunday Worship Service. The Rt. Rev. Rocco A. Florenza, Bishop ordinary of the A.C.C. Diocese of the Resurrection, will make his annual visit to the Parish of Saint Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church. Bishop Florenza will celebrate and preach; whilst the Venerable Bruce Bellmore, Archdeacon of the Diocese, will assist. A celebratory lunch will follow the service in the undercroft. All are welcome!
FIRST SUNDAY IN NOVEMBER: All Souls Day Service and Fellowship for Families of our Founders. If one or more of your parents or grand-parents was an original (or early) member of the Parish of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, then you’ll want to honor them by attending this special Worship Service. You’ll be our guest for this wonderful tribute: A reunion of the families of our Founders and Benefactors. There will be a worship service (Evensong) devoted to prayer for the repose of your forefathers’ souls, followed by delightful food and fellowship, and a long-overdue renewal of acquaintances long remembered (or forgot)! Father Fred will officiate at Evensong, and a local organist will perform. This historic event will occur on the Sunday next after All Souls Day in the Church.
ANNUAL OCTOBER EVENT! Blessing of the Animals. Back in merrie old England, the Blessing of Horses and Hounds would occur in connection with the Fox Hunt or Steeplechase. Bring your pet dog, cat, horse, rabbit, or any other pet or animal to be blessed by the priest. Treats will be on hand for most animals; and all will receive a “certificate” of blessing. Kindly RSVP if your animal is “unusual”, e.g., an elephant or a rhino! The blessings will occur at Saint Thomas’ Church, close to the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi–lover and protector of animals, and St. Hubert–seventh century patron of hunters and archers. The Blessing of Animals is held at the Church on a Saturday in mid-October. Friends, neighbors and parishioners bring their pets (and occasionally their horses) to the Church to be blessed, usually between 10:30 AM and Noon.
Feel free to phone the Parish Office at (814) 376-6146, or call or text Father Fred at (814) 207-3109, if you have any questions concerning these or other upcoming events sponsored by the Parish of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, 116 N. 2nd Street, Philipsburg, PA 16866.