Sunday, October 2, to Mark the Feast of St. Francis

St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment whose feast day is celebrated on October 4. On that date, or on a nearby Sunday, people celebrate the feast day by bringing their pets to church and having their animals blessed.

We will mark this great feast by having a blessing of the animals on Church grounds on October 2nd at 12:30 p.m. Please bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier, and come to the front of St. Joseph Church. We look forward to seeing you and these little friends of Francis!

BLESSING OF THE 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 Saint Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.
We ask you to bless this pet (these pets).
By the power of your love, enable it (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.”