Following the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, area Christian churches are offering pet blessings this week.
Find the one closest to you:
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church
5345 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-497-8330
Blessing of the Animals will be held Saturday, October 4th at Noon in the Pavilion.
All animals are welcome.
Christ the King Catholic Church
3401 Tidewater Dr.
Norfolk, VA 23509
757-622-1120
Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 4th at 9 AM in the school parking lot. Donations of pet food for the Norfolk SPCA will be gratefully accepted.
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
6400 Newport Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23505
757-423-8305
Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5th at 4 PM in the church parking lot.
Bring your pet (on a leash or contained) or bring a picture of your pet.
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd
7400 Hampton Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23505
757-423-3230
Sunday, October 5th at 10 AM
Blessing of the Animals and Holy Eucharist Rite II
“Bring your cats and dogs and cows that go moo,
Your sheep and llama and your bull named Blue,
Your fish, your pig or your Siamese cat,
And yes, you are welcome to bring your pet bat.
Have you a turtle? One, maybe two or three,
Or ferrets and snakes that sit on your knee?
Is your dragon real or maybe just myth?
Either way bring it to church on October 5th!
An animal blessing is what we will hold
For animal lovers both young and old.
So, clean out those cages and wash up your pet.
Bring them all out and a blessing they’ll get.”
Episcopal Church of the Ascension
405 Talbot Hall Road
Norfolk, VA 23505
757-423-6715
Sunday, October 5th at 11 AM – Noon
Blessing of the Animals & Holy Eucharist Rite II
Where: Nave
We will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals service in the River Pavilion at 11:00. Bring your 4-legged, feathered, leathered, furry, finned (or stuffed) family members for a rollicking time of song and joy. Invite your friends and neighbors, and once again we will be taking donations of items (we could use paper towels, bleach, bowls, leashes, collars, treats, food [puppy & adult], puppy pads. etc.) to help New Leash K-9 Rescue: https://www.facebook.com/NewLeashK9Rescue
Historic St. Luke’s Church
14477 Benns Church Blvd.
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-357-3367
Come and celebrate with us at our Annual Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 5th at 2 PM, to honor the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals.
During this traditional ceremony acknowledging all living creatures as part of creation, each pet will receive an individual blessing.
Contact us for more information or check out our gift shop to pick up our book about the event, called Lili of St. Luke’s.
All efforts have been made to ensure that the above-listed information is correct. We recommend you call the church of your choice to check the date, time and location before leaving home!
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Also happening this weekend:
Bark in the Park & 5K Doggy Dash
to benefit the Chesapeake Humane Society.
Register here.
Click to enlarge.
