This past Sunday, October 6, we held our annual Blessing of the Animals on the patio during worship, honoring St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature. It was a beautiful morning as members of our congregation gathered with their pets or pictures of pets —dogs, cats, turtles, and even a spider—to receive a special blessing.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and gratitude as we celebrated the bond between people and their animals. The pets were remarkably well-behaved, with a few happy barks and excited tail wags adding to the fun! Our pastor offered prayers of thanksgiving for the companionship and love these animals bring into our lives, reminding us of St. Francis' message to care for all of God's creatures.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who brought their furry, feathered, or scaly friends to be a part of this special service. It was a meaningful time of connection, not just with our pets, but with the entire church community and even some neighbors. We look forward to continuing this tradition of blessing the animals for many years to come!