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 will take place at the following churches.

Christ Our Savior Parish, St. Nicholas Church, 764 Fifth Ave., Struthers: 2:30 p.m. Oct. 4 near the St. Francis shrine by the Great Hall by John Pasternack, a secular Franciscan. Bring photos of pets not able to attend.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Blvd., Austintown: 10 a.m. Oct. 4 by the statue of St. Francis in front of the rectory with Monsignor Kenneth E. Miller.

St. Angela Merici Parish, 400 Lincoln Park Drive, Youngstown: 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the church with light refreshments to follow. For information, call 330-747-6080.

St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown: 12:30 p.m. Oct. 5 on the front steps of the cathedral, behind the bell tower.

St. Francis Anglican Mission, Youngstown: 11 a.m. Oct. 4 at Wick Park in Youngstown near the corner of Elm and Woodbine.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown: 2 p.m. Oct. 5 outside the church.

St. Patrick Church, 357 N. Main St., Hubbard: 6 p.m. Oct. 5 on the portico of the church. All are welcome to join with or without pets.

St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown: Pets will be blessed at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4 and a "new car” blessing will follow at 10.

St. Paul Church, 935 E. State St., Salem: The Rev. Robert Edwards will officiate at the annual pet blessing at 2 p.m. Oct. 4 in the parish courtyard.

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage: Pastors of Christ Lutheran Church of Sharon, Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Hermitage, and St. Paul’s UCC will bless each pet and present a small memento to human “caregivers” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. People also may bring a photo of their pets. Children may bring stuffed animals. The ceremony will be held rain or shine. Light refreshments will follow.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community, 4453 Warren-Sharon Road, Vienna: Blessing of animals at 11 a.m. Oct. 4.

Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road (Route 62), Canfield: 3 p.m. Sunday.

animal blessings

If you can’t take your pet to be blessed, here are 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 for ever and ever. Amen.

for more information

Visit www.americancatholic.org and click on St. Francis listed under Catholic saints to find information on St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology.