All creatures great and small, furred, feathered and scaled, two-footed, four-footed and no-footed, are welcome to be blessed on the Sunday nearest the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi (October 4) at the annual Blessing of the Animals service.

Please provide restraints-leash, cage, or whatever is appropriate for your animal. After the procession and prayers for the animals, the service continues with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. All, people and pets, are welcome to stay for the entire service.

During a program in the Parish Hall with the Parade of the Animals, each animal is presented with a ribbon noting a special characteristic of that animal, such as “Longest Legs,” “Quietest,” or “Most Boisterous.” Then the Procession of the Animals is led into the sanctuary for the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist. At this service, we bear witness to a new meaning of “diversity” by including a variety of animals, from guinea pigs to calico cats to Chihuahuas to goldfish to rabbits to ferrets to dalmations and cocker spaniels to parakeets. We invite you to bring the animals who share your lives for this special service of blessing and appreciation. All are welcome, with or without pets and animals.