Image: The Rev. Cathy Carpenter blesses a beloved animal at last year’s St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals at Grace Church in Baldwinsville.
In observance of St. Francis Day (Tuesday, October 4th), many Episcopal churches in Central New York are opening their doors to new friends of the furry and four-legged variety! A partial listing of events and special services follows.
If your church is hosting a St. Francis Day event and you don’t see it listed here, please use this form to submit a listing.
Also: see the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices blog for some great ideas and resources for reaching out to your community around St. Francis day events.
Baldwinsville: Grace Church
Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing and “Pet Project” to benefit HumaneCNY
When: Saturday, Oct. 8th, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Grace Church, 110 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville.
Grace Church in Baldwinsville will bless companion animals and donations for HumaneCNY at the annual Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing, Saturday, October 8 at 4:00 PM. The brief service will be held in the outdoor chapel (indoors in case of bad weather) and followed by treats for animals and their human companions.
The parish is also collecting donations and pet supplies to benefit the HumaneCNY animal shelter throughout the month of September. Supplies needed include dry or canned dog and cat food, non-clumping kitty litter, treats, toys and clean towels and blankets. Items may be brought to the event or dropped off at the church during office hours (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).
Canastota: Trinity Church
Blessing of the Animals
When: Sunday, Oct. 2nd, 2:00 p.m.
Where: 400 South Peterboro Street, Canastota, NY
Chenango Bridge: St. Mark’s Church
A Blessing of Our Animal Companions
When: Sunday, Oct. 9th, 12:00 p.m.
Where: St. Mark’s Church, 728 River Road, Chenango Bridge
All God’s critters are welcome as we give thanks for all creatures great and small.
Elmira: Grace Church
The Blessing of the Animals and Choral Mass Rite II
When: Sunday, Oct. 9th, 10:15 a.m.
Where: Grace Church, 375 West Church Street, Elmira.
Bring your furred, feathered or finned friends! For more information, please contact the Grace Church office at (607) 732-0545.
Horseheads: St. Matthew’s Church
Animal Blessing
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st, 3:00 p.m.
Where: St. Matthew’s Church, 408 South Main Street, Horseheads.
We will meet on the front lawn of the church. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held in the church.
Johnson City: All Saints’ Church
The Blessing of the Animals
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st at 5 p.m. AND Sunday, Oct. 2nd at 10:00 a.m.
Where: All Saints Church, 475 Main Street, Johnson City.
Come celebrate St. Francis Day with All Saints’ Church in Johnson City–bring your pets for the Blessing of Animals at the Saturday, Oct. 1st and Sunday, Oct. 2nd celebrations of Holy Eucharist. St. Francis is the patron saint of all animals. We hope that you will bring your pet to church to receive a blessing in a brief liturgy following the post communion prayer. (This will enable one to bolt out and retrieve “Rover” from the car or classroom if you are keeping “Rover” elsewhere during the service.) Please have all dogs on leads and exercised before the service. Cats and other small creatures tend to be happier in carriers or crates, or you can just bring a photograph of your pet. As the song says, “All God’s creatures have a place in the choir!”
Jordan: Christ Church
The Blessing of the Animals
When: Sunday, Oct. 9th, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Christ Church, 25 North Main Street, Jordan
All animal friends are welcome (caged, leashed, or harnessed as they travel and rest best). You are also invited to bring photos, mementos, and stuffed animals; memorial prayers and blessings will be offered for loving remembered pets.
Manlius: Christ Church
Blessing of the Animals and Holy Eucharist
When: Sunday, Oct. 2nd, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Where: Christ Church, 407 East Seneca Street, Manlius in Crosby Hall. Please enter from the front, side, or back of the addition to the church building.
Rome: Zion Church
Blessing of the Animals
When: Saturday, Oct. 1st at 1:00 p.m.
Where: 140 West Liberty Street, Rome, NY – in the parking lot
Syracuse: St. Paul’s Church
Blessing of the Animals
When: Sunday, Oct. 9th, 9:45 a.m.
Where: Gathering at M. Lemp Park (corner of South Warren and East Fayette Streets)
In celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, the Reverend Philip Major, Rector of St. Paul’s Syracuse, the Downtown Episcopal Church, will bless animals at the 10:00am service. All are welcome to bring pets that travel in pet carriers or other containers (such as a goldfish bowl) right into our worship space. Pets on leashes, most especially dogs, should gather at 9:45am in M. Lemp Park (corner of South Warren and East Fayette Streets) to learn about the procedure for the service. Photos of lovingly-remembered pets are welcome as well.
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[…] St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and ecology. Many churches celebrate his feast day (October 4th) by blessing beloved animals. (Get a list of services here). […]
I like that stuffed animals are invited to Christ Church!
Who would turn away a stuffed animal?