Have we done this every year lately? It doesn’t feel like it. I think we were disrupted by the pandemic.
But for us – because we always celebrate World Communion Sunday too – our tradition is to “transpose the feast day” for Francis of Assisi: instead of celebrating the first Sunday in October, we celebrate it on the second Sunday. (Not sure if, weather permitting, we should also make it a Sunday to worship outside, or on this special day, the pets deserve to be in the Sanctuary?)
It feels particularly important to celebrate the Blessing of the Animals this year as a few families have lost pets and really felt their loss. If you wish, you may bring a picture of a pet that has died, and we can give thanks for how that animal was a blessing in your life.
Likewise, there are always pets that are too anxious or old or too big to bring in person, at least easily. Please feel invited to bring a picture
But, despite our policy trying to keep our campus pet-free, this is our holy day of exemption. And your loud barking dog or slightly alarmed cat is welcome to join us. Fish, hamsters, even snakes too. (Madelyn George always has a surprise animal to bless!) We’ll bless them all. Because they are a blessing to us.
Friends or neighbors and their pets are welcome too…
Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 10 am.
