blessing of animals
blessing of animals
Services planned
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.
Christ Episcopal Church, 2627 Atlantic St. NE, Warren: The 10th annual Pet Celebration will take place from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday with free admission. There will be a pet market place, pet and owner photos, children’s activities, agility course, petting zoo and pony rides, a pet contest will be at 3:30 p.m. The Learning of Dog of Hubbard will give agility, obedience and trick demonstrations with the Little Canine Cruisers at 4:30 p.m. and blessing will take place at 5:15 p.m.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Boulevard, Austintown: A pet blessing will take place at 2 p.m. Oct. 2 near the St. Francis of Assisi statue located at the front of church grounds. Pat Wolf will be the leader of prayer.
St. John’s Episcopal Church, 323 Wick Ave., Youngstown: Blessing of the animals is at 1 p.m. Oct. 2 at Wick Park in Youngstown.
St. John Lutheran Church, 14394 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, Petersburg: A service is planned at 2 p.m. Oct. 1. In case of inclement weather, it will take place Oct. 8.
St. Paul Church, 935 E. State St., Salem: Does your pet need a blessing? Do you need a blessing to handle your pet? The Rev. Robert Edwards will officiate at a pet blessing at 2 p.m. Oct. 2 in the parking lot between the school and office building.
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 159 Todd Ave., Hermitage: A pet blessing will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the field next to the church. People also may bring photos of their pets and stuffed animals. In case of rain, the ceremony will be indoors. Light refreshments will follow.
Western Reserve United Methodist Church, 4580 Canfield Road (Route 62), Canfield: Blessing will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at Woodland Haven behind the church with the Rev. Russ Adams.