Blessing of the Animals

**Please note a new day (Saturday) for this special blessing**

If you share your home with a furry friend (or two or more!), we invite you to join us for our special Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. on the front lawn of the St. Matthew's in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. During this service, Mother Leslie will offer brief prayers and blessings for all the animals in attendance, both pets and the many creatures who live in our corner of God's creation.

ALL pets are welcome. In addition to cats and dogs, Mother Leslie has blessed: parrots and other birds; hamsters; guinea pigs; pet rats; snakes; bearded dragons and other reptiles; turtles; and, for many years, a pet tarantula named Charlotte (she confesses she closed her eyes as she blessed Charlotte. If your pet does not travel well, you are invited to bring a picture for a blessing. Mother Leslie also offers prayers for those who mourn the passing of beloved pets.

The Blessing of the Animals is open to our entire community, so spread the word and invite your friends and neighbors. We hope you and your pets come by! Buffy (pictured from a previous blessing of the animals) will be excited to greet one and all.

Please remember to keep your pets safe on a leash or in a carrier/cage/terrarium to ensure the safety of all our parishioners and guest pets.