Come join us with your beloved pets for our annual Blessing of the Animals service on October 1, 10:00 AM. We join in a long tradition of bringing our animals to God for prayer and blessing each year, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. St Francis was a man who worked tirelessly for peace. After a wild youth and brief military career, he had a conversion experience in which he walked away from his family’s wealth and turned to a life of service to God in as selfless a manner as he could do. He is known for the great appreciation and love that he showed towards all creation, often reminding us of the gifts that come to us through the sun and moon, and through the plants and creatures around us. He is often portrayed surrounded by animals, with birds on his shoulders or on his outstretched arms.

Inspired by him, many Christians choose to set aside a worship service on, or close to, the Feast Day of St Francis to give thanks to God for the blessings we receive from the animals in our lives.

We meet outside in our courtyard for a brief service in which we give thanks to God for the companionship, the joy, even the improved health that our pets bring us. We also take the time to pray a prayer of thanksgiving and health over each animal (and give them a treat!). All (well-behaved) animals are welcome! We hope you will join us with your animal friend(s) to celebrate these wonderful companions.