St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church will hold a pair of ceremonies to bless animals, on Sunday, Oct. 1, and Wednesday, Oct. 4.
By Anthony Aldwell | Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church will remember the ministry of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi with a liturgy celebrating the gifts of creation at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct.1, followed by a Blessing of the Animals in St. Patrick’s parking lot at 11:30 a.m. that day.
All animals and their humans are welcome to participate in this event at St. Patrick’s Church, located next to the hospital at 225 S. Pagosa Blvd.
Those who cannot join the gathering at St. Patrick’s on Sunday are welcome to drop by the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership amphitheater by the river on St. Francis Day, Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., as Community United Methodist Church Pastor Ken Daniell and Wren Blessing from St. Patrick’s will be available for walk-by blessings that afternoon.
Blessing, whose family includes a lovable Labrador, summarized the purpose of this special day, noting, “We are reminded of God’s love, care, loyalty and playfulness through the animals in our lives. They are part of our daily rhythms to us but are often left out of our community gatherings and formal spiritual practice. St. Francis Day is a wonderful opportunity to grow in relationship with one another by receiving and giving thanks for the animals in our lives. We look forward to all members of our community to join us for this meaningful moment.”
