Name: Blessing of Animals
Start: 2025-10-05T14:00:00-04:00
Location: Ascension Catholic Church

Each October, near the October 4 Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, parish communities traditionally hold a blessing of Animals in memory and in honor of Saint Francis.
Join us in front of Ascension church where Deacon Joe Allen will confer the annual Blessing of Animals. If you're bringing a pet or tame animal, please make certain they are on a leash or in a cage. Please also arrive before 2:00pm.

For those who can't make it in person, Deacon will Greet and Welcome everyone, then give an introduction, and sing the Opening Song "All Creatures of Our God and King"
You can read these aloud with your pet nearby.
A reading from the Book of Genesis 1:1, 20-28
Psalm8 - O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
Prayers (recited together by all present):
Presider: God created us and places us on this earth to be the stewards of all living things and so proclaim the glory of our Creator. Let us pray:
All: Blessed are you, O Lord, who created all animals, all humans, and all life. Blessed be God forever!
Blessed are you, O Lord, who gave us pets and animals to share our life and our work. Blessed be God forever!
Blessed are you, O Lord, who for the sake of our comfort and our company, has given us our pets and domestic animals as companions. Blessed be God Forever!
Blessed are you, o Lord, who shows your care and providence to all animals, all persons, and all created life. Blessed be God forever!
Blessed are you, O Lord, who sent your Son Jesus to us as the Paschal Lamb who cleanses us from sin and opens for us the way to salvation. Blessed God forever!
Prayer of Blessing - Final Prayer and Blessing - Closing Song