Anglican church readies for Blessing of the Fleet
To the editor:
The Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet will take place on Sunday, March 20, at 2:30 p.m. at the Shrimp Docks. The date for the Shrimp Fleet Blessing has always been chosen by the Shrimp Fleet in accordance with the full moon, since the shrimp boats are in the harbor at that time. A ‘Blessing’ being held at any other time not in compliance with the shrimpers’ timetable excludes the shrimpers, since the Shrimp Fleet will be out at sea away from Fort Myers Beach and the Shrimp Docks. As a pastoral concern for the shrimpers and their families, St. Raphael’s by the Sea Anglican Church accepted the invitation from the Shrimp Fleet to bring in a bishop to bless the shrimp boats when the shrimp boats are in the harbor at the Shrimp Docks.
The Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet has been a time-honored tradition that has been supported by the Fort Myers Beach community since the 1950’s. As has been the tradition for many years, the Beach Ministerial Association of Fort Myers Beach has been invited to participate in the service. Events for the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet begin at noon. There will be fun activities for children, a tour of a shrimp boat and a shrimp-eating contest at 1:30 p.m. Vendors will also be present. Please come and support the shrimpers and their families by your presence and participation while enjoying a Sunday afternoon at the shrimp docks.
Rev. Alice Marcrum
St. Raphael’s by the Sea
Fort Myers Beach