Local Churches Offer Blessings To All Creatures Great And Small

Wagging tails, wet noses and whiskers are headed to church in early October. To celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, area churches will hold blessings of the animals, giving families an opportunity to bring their beloved companions to church for a special blessing. This year’s feast falls on Sunday, October 4, and local churches are welcoming four-legged, feathered and scaly friends to celebrate.

All are welcome as pets receive blessings at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church’s outdoor worship at 10 a.m. on October 4. Pets should be leashed or safely in carriers. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring a chair or blanket for seating.

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Noah’s Ark Blessing of the Animals at the front of the church at 1 p.m. on October 4. All are welcome.

At 2 p.m. on October 4, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will hold a Blessing of the Animals on Larsen Field. Attendees should bring a bag to clean up after pets.