Restart your church
We love our animal companions. Below is a list of services across the diocese to honor and bless them in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.
OCTOBER 2
10/2, Philadelphia. Gloria Dei. Celebrate the Feast of St. Francis with blessings, live music & treats for all pets (leashed or caged only, please) at 6:30 p.m. The National Park Service will also present the BARKS animal safety program.
OCTOBER 5
10/5, New Hope. St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church
As part of their Care of Creation Fest, Father Michael will bless animals at 1 p.m. during the event on the labyrinth outside the church. The blessing itself takes only a moment. To participate, simply bring your animal companion on a leash, in a carrier or whatever is appropriate for his or her safety and comfort. (People may also bring photos of deceased pets they want blessed.) Care of Creation Fest is free and open to the public.
10/5, Philadelphia. All Saints’ Torresdale. There will be a Blessing of the Animals outside the church on Oct 5 at 4:30pm. Bring your pet, or a picture of your pet. There will be a donation basket for PAWS animal shelter. Some needed items are: cat and dog canned food, cat toys, paper towels and laundry detergent.
10/5, Philadelphia. Holy Innocents St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Come join us at 1 p.m. for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. All pets, along with their people friends, are invited to attend the Blessing of the Animals service to receive a blessing. 1 p.m. at Holy Innocents St. Paul’s
10/5, Philadelphia. Grace Episcopal Church and the Incarnation
Come join us at 10 a.m. for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. All pets, along with their people friends, are invited to attend the Blessing of the Animals service to receive a blessing.
OCTOBER 6
10/6, Compass. St. John's Episcopal Church. Feast of St. Francis. Blessing of the Animals at 2 p.m. in the church parking lot.
10/6, Wayne. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Bring your dog, cat, goat, snake or whatever animal God has given you to take care of. All Creatures Great and Small. 4 p.m.
10/6, Philadelphia. St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church. In honor of St. Francis Day, bring your pet by for a blessing. We'll be at St. Martin's AND Pastorius Park at 2:00 p.m. All species welcome!
10/6, Harleysville, Church of the Holy Spirit. 10:15am. Outdoor service weather permitting. Bring your favorite four-legged, winged or even scaled pet companion to our annual service of thanksgiving and blessing. Weather permitting, the service will be held outside, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs. All pets must be leashed or in an appropriate cage, carrier or container. Representatives from local animal rescue groups and pet stores will be in attendance, as well. We will have a collection box for pet food and supplies for distribution to pet rescue organizations.
10/6, Malvern. St. Francis-in-the-Fields. St. Francis’ (“Bring Your Pet to Church”) Day & Pet Blessings. A special service of Holy Eucharist will be held OUTSIDE, on the courtyard lawn, at 10:00 am. We invite people to bring their pets to worship with them, and to receive a blessing, as part of the service, following communion. The service will be shortened so our furry friends don’t get too restless!
10/6, Malvern. St. Peter’s in the Great Valley Episcopal Church: You are invited to bring your feathered, furry, or “finny” at 5 p.m. for the Blessing of the Animals. We will celebrate the life of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi, in a brief service. Refreshments for both humans and non-humans will follow as well as a personal blessing of your pets. For their happiness and safety, please bring your pets on a leash or in a carrier. All are welcome!
10/6, Philadelphia. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Dogs and all pets are invited to attend church with their humans to receive a blessing at the 9 & 11 a.m. services. On this day, people all over the world celebrate the feast day of the Patron Saint of Animals, Saint Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is remembered for his love of all creatures great and small. St. Peter’s is an historic church with box seating instead of traditional pews. The boxes are a perfect, safe place for you and your furry friend to enjoy the service and receive a blessing. All are welcome!
10/6, Philadelphia. Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
Blessing of the Animals and Choral Evensong. Everyone is invited to bring their pets for an informal blessing in the West Garden at 3:30 p.m.. At 4 p.m. all will move into the church for a service of Choral Evensong sung by the Combined Choirs of Saint Mark’s.
10/6, Rockledge. Holy Nativity Episcopal Church. All pets are welcome (small, medium, large, stuffed animals, pictures of your beloved pet) to come and be celebrated during an ecumenical service devoted to the blessing of your animals that starts promptly at 2 p.m.
OCTOBER 13
10/13, Yardley. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Join us for Blessing of the Animals at 2:00 PM. All creatures great and small and their people are welcome for the annual animal blessing in honor of St. Francis!