SUNDAY: Two ‘Blessing of the Animals’ events open to all

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The first Sunday of October usually brings “Blessing of the Animals” events in honor of St. Francis of Assisi‘s feast day. We’ve received word of two:

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH: Local Franciscans are usually part of this one:

The church shares the photo and reminder (if you haven’t already seen it in our calendar):

All Things Bright and Beautiful

All are invited to bring your pet or pets for St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church’s annual community-wide St. Francis’ Day Blessing of the Animals, this Sunday, October 4, at 1:00 p.m. on the West Seattle High School parking lot.

That’s at 3000 California SW (just north of the church).

PROVIDENCE MOUNT ST. VINCENT: At the same time – 1 pm Sunday – The Mount and its Spiritual Care Department is sponsoring a blessing in honor of St. Francis, at Pigott Chapel, on the building’s third floor. “All pets are welcome. People may bring photos of their pets, too.” The Mount is at 4831 35th SW.

Sue October 2, 2015 (6:29 pm)

There will also be one at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California Ave. SW) the following Sunday (Oct. 11). From this week’s eNews:
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“October 11, 10:30 a.m.:”Blessing of the Animals” – Intergenerational Service, Rev. Beatrice Hitchcock WSUU will celebrate its first Animal Sunday on October 11th. This service honors our interconnection with all the other animals of the earth. Your household animal companions are invited to attend the service and receive a personalized blessing. To ensure their safety, please use leashes or carriers. Following their blessing, the animals may remain in the sanctuary, or be returned to their cars, as they are comfortable. Larger, not-house-trained animals will be blessed at the sanctuary’s outside doors. (Please let Rev. Beatrice know if the stairs will present a problem, and she will make other arrangements: minister @ wsuu. org.) Animals that would be more comfortable in their own homes can receive a take-home blessing. If you are mourning the loss of an animal companion, you may bring a photo, collar, or other token for a memorial table. There will be a section of the sanctuary set aside for people with allergies. This will be a multi-generational service. Children (of all ages) may also bring a stuffed toy representing a wild animal species of the earth, and receive a blessing for them.”

WSB October 2, 2015 (8:37 pm)

Thanks, Sue. The two featured above were both sent in by the respective organizations/institutions, hadn’t heard from WSUU nor anyone else. (We did check the calendar for Alki UCC, as they have often had these over the years, but nothing’s showing.) – TR

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