Are you planning a pet blessing for Sunday, October 4? Besides Easter and Christmas, a blessing of animals in honor of St. Francis is a wonderful evangelical opportunity. People may not think they need God, but they don’t like to deny a beloved pet anything good! Invite people to bring pets of all kinds (stuffed animals and pictures of pets welcome too!) You can use the regular Sunday readings or readings from the Season of Creation. It is ok to take out the Creed, Prayers of the People, and Confession and instead have the priest or deacon go from pew to pew to bless each animal. “Thank you, God, for Fido, and the gift he is to Dick and Jane. Grant him long walks, healthy fur and teeth, and many balls to chase!” for example! I’ve blessed dogs, cats, birds, lizards, snakes, gerbils, rabbits, even composting worms. Make sure you send us a picture if you bless any horses or elephants! You might want to have a bowl of water by your front door and pet treats at coffee hour.
+Kara
