Pet Blessing

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Francis, or – as it's known in the latest liturgical re-write, soon to hit the shelves of seminary bookstores everywhere – Pet Blessing Sunday!


Just kidding. (Good thing for me Kara has a sense of humor.)

Actually, the Pet Blessing came between services this year, in the garden. The 8:00 service was a pet-free zone, but anyone who brought a pet with them for the blessing was welcome to bring the pet along to the 10:30 service.

This is the leaflet cover for the blessing:

And that's the only cat we saw at the service, which is probably a good thing, considering the number, sizes, and enthusiasm of the dogs that attended.

We gathered in a circle and offered prayers of thanks for what our pets add to our lives, and petitions for their health. The readings were Genesis 1:20-25, Psalm 148:1-13, and The Prayer of St. Francis.



After which each pet received a special blessing.

Two Bears fans:




The newest addition to a St. John's family, Bella:

Bella is a Golden Doodle.

Finally, Kara offered special treats to the assembled canines.

And to the photographer ...


... who was never happier to be on a low-carb diet.