Pet Blessing

6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3
North side (backyard) of Church

All pets are invited, big or small, living in water or on land, to receive a blessing in honor and remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bring your dogs, cats, hamsters, gerbils. birds, fish, turtles, lizards, etc.! All pet owners and their pets are welcome. Invite a friend! Prayer and the blessing will take place on the north side of Church (by the Mary Grotto). 

Owners should take care to keep their pets and others safe and secure for the blessing, which should last about 20-30 minutes. We'll also be collecting food donations for NACE (North Anoka County Emergency) Foodshelf.

This annual tradition is in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi who loved all God's creatures and followed God's example of kindness, mercy, compassion, and love for all creation. He is remembered for his generosity to the poor, his willingness to minister to the lepers, and his love for animals and nature. Saint Francis of Assisi is the Catholic Church’s patron saint of animals and the environment.

There will be treats for all — humans and animals.

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.
You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air, and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless these pets and their caretakers.
By the power of your love, enable them 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