blessing of animals

blessing of animals

At area churches

The traditional blessing of animals celebrates the life of St. Francis of Assisi, whose Feast Day is Oct. 4. St. Francis is known for his love of all creatures. Pets should be leashed or in pet carriers. Blessing of pets and other animals will take place at the following churches.

Holy Family Church, 2729 Center Road, Poland: Blessing of pets will be at 3 p.m. Sunday by Deacon Ray Hatala, pastoral associate, and Permanent Deacon Ernie Formichelli. The blessing will begin in the playground adjacent to the school and proceed to the church.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown: Blessing will be at 10 a.m. today on the lawn in front of the rectory by the statue of St. Francis of Assisi.

Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 415 S. Main St., Columbiana: A new service for the church, a blessing will be conducted at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday in the Peace Garden, where there is a statue of St. Francis.

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

St. John the Baptist Church, 159 Reed Ave., Campbell: Blessing will be at noon today on parish grounds.

St. Matthias Church, 915 Cornell St., Youngstown: Blessing will follow the Mass at noon Oct. 16.

St. Patrick Church, 225 N. Main St., Hubbard: An animal blessing is scheduled at 6 p.m. Tuesday on the portico of the church.

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

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage, Pa.: The Rev. Ron Hartman and Christ Lutheran Church are teaming up with the Rev. David Williamson and St. Paul’s for a joint blessing of the animals at 6:30 p.m. Monday. Participants must have pets on leashes or in carriers, or bring a photo or drawing of their pets. In addition to prayers, each pet in attendance will receive a free gift. After the service, cookies and dog treats will be served.

On the website, www.americancatholic.org, click on St. Francis listed under Catholic saints. Find information on St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, who loved pet blessings across the United States and more. If you can’t take your pet to be blessed, here’s “do-it-yourself” Franciscan animal blessings.

For all animals: Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. On the fifth and sixth days of creation, you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this animal. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.

For a sick animal: Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature. If it is your will, restore it to health and strength. Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name forever and ever. Amen.