St. John’s Episcopal Church to hold annual event Oct. 2
Island pets are encouraged to bring their humans and friends to church on Saturday, Oct. 2, in celebration of a day dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, regarded worldwide as the patron saint of animals and the environment. Island clergy will recognize this by celebrating St. Francis’ feast day with a Blessing of the Animals at St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 7771 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. The blessing will take place at 11 a.m.
This is the 20th annual Blessing of the Animals, which brings together pet owners and animal lovers to share in fellowship and for an opportunity for their furry and feathered friends to receive prayers intended just for them. Each pet will receive a personalized certificate indicating that they have received a blessing.
Assisting the Rev. Christian Maxfield, Priest-in-Charge at St. John’s, will be Father Jacek Mazur from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church and the Rev. Kaylee Vida from the Pine Island Methodist Church.
This event is open to everyone even if you don’t have a pet! There will be a brief outdoor service, a few interesting speakers, followed by the blessing of each animal that has come to church that day. St. John’s only request is that pets be on leashes or contained. If it is too difficult to bring your pet, you are welcome to bring a picture and join us.
You don’t even need a pet to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to have a Saturday activity together.
This year we will be collecting food for the Beacon of Hope Emergency Food Pantry, so please bring your items to the event.
Hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and water will be available. Pet medals for cats and dogs with a special animal blessing will be offered for sale.
For more information, call St. John’s Episcopal Church at 283-1820.