Island pets to receive blessing Oct. 3
Island pets are encouraged to bring their humans and friends to church Saturday, Oct. 3, in celebration of a day dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, regarded world-wide 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 15th 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.
This year’s service is in memory of St. John’s parishioner Bob Johnson.
Assisting the Rev. Ryan A. Wright, Vicar of St. John’s, will be Father Michael Hughes from Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and Pastor Roger Lemke, Fishers of Men Lutheran 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 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.
Hot dogs, chips and 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 about this year’s Blessing of the Animals, please call St. John’s Episcopal Church at 283-1820.