Blessing of pets set at Warren, Niles churches

the vindicator

Activities in Warren and Niles will focus on pet blessings and St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The annual pet celebration at Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St., is planned from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, with the blessing of the animals taking place at 5 p.m.

This event is free to the public and will take place on the church grounds. In case of rain, it will be moved to the parish hall.

The occasion commemorates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

Activities will begin at 3 p.m. and will include a petting zoo, pet-market place with vendors, an agility course with demonstrations, pets for adoption and commemorative photos of St. Francis.

There also will be face painting and rock painting for children.

At 3:30 p.m., the American Red Cross will present a pet first-aid demonstration.

Pet contests will begin at 4 p.m. for the pet that looks most like its owner, the best-dressed pet, the pet with the waggliest tail, the best pet trick and the most unusual pet.

Pets will be blessed during a short service in the church garden.

Afterward, Jungle Terry and Friends will give an educational, hands-on demonstration with a variety of animals, including snakes, turtles and hedgehogs.

For more information, call Anne Martin at (330) 856-7848 or Christ Episcopal Church at (330) 372-4998.

A blessing of the animals service will be at 3 p.m. Oct. 4 at Niles First United Methodist Church, 608 N. Crandon Ave.

The brief service will include a short prayer for each animal present by the Rev. David MacDonald, pastor.

Pets should be leashed or in a carrier. A watering station, “comfort station” and clean-up bags will be provided by the church. Rain date is Oct. 11.

The service is part of the congregation’s way of recognizing the important role pets play in the lives of people.

For more information, call (330) 652-1439 or send an e-mail to davidmacdonald@mtsoalum.org.