Blessing of the Animals

Our worship on October 4 will look and sound a little different from a typical Sunday at St. John’s. In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, we will gather for a special service of Morning Prayer, shaped by the Book of Alternative Services, and the Blessing of the Animals. This will not be a Eucharist, and with our visiting animals in mind we hope the service will be somewhat shorter than usual.

The morning is being planned to be especially welcoming and engaging for parents with young children, but it is certainly not only for children and families. Through scripture, prayer and music, there will be something for everyone as we worship together, give thanks for the wonder of creation, and celebrate the animals who share our lives.

You are warmly invited to bring your pet for a blessing or simply come and join in the celebration. A little barking, meowing or other animal commotion will be understood as part of the worship that morning! For everyone’s safety, please ensure that pets are appropriately leashed or secured in a suitable carrier.