Blessing of the Animals at St. Mark's

St. Mark's Episcopal Church will hold a special worship service on Sunday, October 21 at 2 p.m. Parishioners and other people will gather to recognize and give thanks for creatures that bless lives–pets and other animals. Many who attend will take their animal friends, and gather on the lawn between the church building and the parish house which are located on South Washington Street at the interection of Rt. 9.

The short service of prayers and scripture readings is associated with remembering St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4. St. Francis was known for celebrating how God blessed humanity through creation and God's creatures. During the service, Fr. Patrick Pierce, Priest-in-Charge at St. Mark's, will say prayers of thanksgiving and ask God's blessings on each animal and its presenting human friend.

The public is welcome to attend this service and take their animal friends. Parking is available at the Bath Cottage parking lot north of the church on South Washington, and the Coldwell Banker Real Estate office parking lot next to St. Mark's.

For more information about this service or other programs at St. Mark's call 304-258-2440.