St. James Episcopal Church, 474 Fruit Hill Ave., will hold a Blessing of the Animals event on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 12:00 p.m. Friendly and well-behaved animals are invited. For those animals who might be nervous, aggressive, or departed can be represented by photos. Pets must be under control, properly restrained, and wear identification.
The Rev. Rich Schweinsburg will be our officiant & celebrant. This St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day Mass will be family friendly with acoustic gospel music provided by Emily Harrison. St. James will be accepting donations for Tri-Town Animal Shelter. Dog treats, Cat treats, kitten food, dish detergent, laundry detergent, paper towels and heavy duty 40 gallon trash bags are most needed by the animal shelter.
Episcopalians celebrate the Blessing of the Animals on a Sunday close to the Feast of St. Francis, which falls on October 4th. St. Francis of Assisi was well known for his love of animals. Stories tell of him preaching to flocks of birds, dissuading mosquitoes from biting him and even convincing a wolf to stop stalking humans and livestock in Gubbio, Italy, where he once lived. At the Blessing of the Animals, people remember and emulate Francis’ example of love for animals and appreciation of God’s creations.
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