Blessing of the Animals at St. Francis Church

Rev. Stuart Bates, Cheryl and Clinton Northcutt with their pup at a past Blessing of the Pets in the courtyard of St. Francis Episcopal Church.

The annual Blessing of the Animals takes place on Sunday, Sept. 30, which will begin with a trip inside the church sanctuary so the owners and pets can gather around the altar. The priests will open with readings from the Bible. Animals brought for blessings are not just dogs and cats, but birds, fish, and St. Francis has even welcomed pet snakes and an iguana. After a brief liturgy of prayers in the sanctuary, guests return to the courtyard for individual blessing of their pets by the life-sized bronze statue of St. Francis of Assisi, as he loved animals.

Animal organizations including The Human Society bring animals for adoption; a veterinarian is on hand to answer questions, and a photographer is available to take photos of families and pets. Attendees are encouraged to bring pet food, newspapers, paper towels and Dawn detergent to donate to area pet shelters participating in this community event. 

Officiating at the event will be Father Stuart Bates, Father Bob Wismer and Father David Price.