Folks at an Episcopal church learned that lesson the hard way:

The rector of a Hingham church said parishioners trying to hold a post-Mass picnic at the town’s beach were interrupted by a Canadian goose being shot in front of them. The Rev. Timothy Schenk of the St. John the Evangelist Episcopal church said that the church was holding its “preach at the beach” Mass last week when parishioners saw two hunters open fire on a small flock of geese.

He said one goose was shot and fell into the water, but did not die immediately.

Schenk said parents and children at the picnic were upset about the shooting. He said the Mass was designed for children and to remind them that God isn’t just found at the pulpit and in the pews.

A regulation prohibits discharging firearms on town property.

No charges have been filed.