Long ago, St. Francis of Assissi surprised his medieval world with this radical idea - all creatures worship God Most High!  He talked to birds and dogs, flowers and trees, welcoming them as brothers and sisters.

We remember St. Francis and his passion for all God's creatures when we hold our annual Blessing of the Animals on the Sunday closest to October 3, the date of his death.

This event is held on the church lawn, and all animals and their owners are welcome!  This October we had a range of dogs from big to small, young to old, and healthy to living with disease. 

This is the Blessing that we use:

Pastor:  Together, let us bless our dear pets and all animals everywhere:  

Blessed are you, Lord God,     

Maker of all living creatures.

On the fifth and sixth days of creation,     

you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land.

You sent your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord  to redeem all the world.

You inspired Francis of Assisi to call all animals his brothers and sisters.

We ask you to bless these animals.

By the power of your love, enable them to live according to your plan.

May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!

Amen. 

 

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