(WSB photo: Rev. JD Godwin blessing Pace the dog at St. John’s 2013 Blessing of the Animals)
St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, is the inspiration for Blessing of the Animals events each fall, and this year we have heard from three West Seattle churches welcoming you and your pet(s) for the occasion, at events being held independent of the churches’ regular services:

PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH: Happening this Sunday morning:

Pastor Erik Kindem and Peace congregation offer an opportunity to bless your special companion/pet on Sunday, October 5 @ Peace Lutheran Church, 39th Ave SW and SW Thistle. The blessing will take place on the Westside Patio (8316 39th Ave SW) at the conclusion of worship (11:45am). Community invited!

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Happening this Sunday afternoon:

Sunday at 1 pm: Plan now to bring your pet or pets for St. John the Baptist’s annual community-wide St. Francis’ Day Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. on the West Seattle High School parking lot. Parishioner Paul Dahlke is coordinating the event again this year.

WSHS is at 3000 California SW, just north of St. John’s.

FAUNTLEROY UCC CHURCH: Happening Sunday, October 12th, 2 pm – details on this flyer. The church is at 9140 California SW.