blessing of animals

The traditional blessing of animals celebrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is Monday. St. Francis is known for his love of all creatures. Blessing of pets and other animals will take place at the following churches.

Historic Lutheran Church of St. John, 1429 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown: The church will have the Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. Sunday followed by traditional liturgy and blessing of animals with holy water at 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments will follow.

St. Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Ave., Youngstown: A pet blessing will be at 6 p.m. Monday at the front doors of the church. St. Francis medals will be distributed.

St. Christine Church, 3125 S. Schenley Ave., Youngstown: Blessing will be at 1:30 Sunday on the lawn in front of the rectory.

St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown: The Dominican Fathers will bless pets at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Priory Garden.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown: There will be a blessing of the animals followed by a service of evensong at 4 p.m. Sunday. Stuffed animals also will be blessed. Light refreshments will follow.

St. Joseph the Provider Roman Catholic Church, 633 Porter Ave., Campbell: Blessing will be at noon today on the lawn in front of the rectory.

St. Jude Church, 180 Seventh St., Columbiana: The annual blessing of pets is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday. There will be medals, prayer cards and animal-care information packages given to everyone. Also, two gift baskets and smaller items will be given away.

Sts. Mary and Joseph School, 709 Milton Blvd., Newton Falls: St. Mary and St. Joseph’s Confraternity of Christian Doctrine will conduct a blessing-of-pets service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the parking lot. A free-will donation of pet items will be collected to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County. The league needs large, heavy duty garbage bags, canned cat food, blankets, throw rugs, paper towels, pet toys and treats, brooms, dust pans, toilet paper, nylon collars, bath towels, copy paper, 6-foot leashes and laundry detergent.

St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St., Youngstown: Blessing will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 330-788-5082.

St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard: At 2:15 p.m. Monday, the Rev. Timothy O’Neill will bless pets of school families and others at St. Patrick School, 38 E. Water St. Parents are asked to bring pets when they arrive to pick up their children. This is a first-time event for the school, which is marking its 140th year. At 6 p.m. Monday, a blessing will be on the portico of the church. All are welcome, with or without pets.

St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown: Blessing will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday on the patio in front of the church.