Outdoor Blessing of the Animals (Pets)

Starts: October 9, 2022 at 12:00 pm
Ends: October 9, 2022 at 1:00 pm

St. Francis of Assisi was an Italian friar who took a vow of poverty and cared for the poor.  He also believed nature – including its creatures – was the mirror of God.  He preached that it is our duty to protect and enjoy nature as both the stewards of God’s creation and as creatures ourselves.  Many ELCA congregations celebrate the wonders of God’s creation and the legacy of St. Francis by holding pet-blessing services and activities for the community around this time of the year. It is a time to remember how God’s creatures – of all sizes, shapes and species – bless our lives and are essential to the environment that sustains all living things, including humankind.  We commit ourselves to caring for their wellbeing in the world whether they be service animals, pets, domesticated animals, wild animals, pets in shelters, bugs or creatures that fly, crawl, run or swim.

The above is paraphrased from a Living Lutheran article published September 29, 2014.

Meet in the grassy area between the church and the pre-school between the hours listed for an individual blessing of your pet(s).  A mask for COVID-19 protection is optional.