Feast of St. Francis Blessings of the Animals

As we look ahead to the Feast of St. Francis on October 4, many of our congregations will be offering special Blessings of the Animals for all creatures great and small, be they live pets or stuffed animals. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and the environment and worship inspired by this Feast typically include pet blessings, prayers for environmental protection and conservation, and a call to a lifestyle based in simplicity and service of others. 
All are invited to these special events (humans, pets, stuffed animals, and humans without pets!). Please bring pets on a leash or in a container/carrier. Blessing of the Animals/Pets events in our diocese include the following:

• Three Summerville Episcopal churches:
• Epiphany, Good Shepherd, and St. George’s will jointly offer a service for the blessing of the animals in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The event will be held at Hutchinson Square in downtown Summerville on Friday, October 3, from 5-6 pm. The Rev. Rob Spainhour, the Rev. Dow Sanderson, and the Rev. Michael Crandall will be on hand to offer blessings for all pets.
• All Saints, Hilton Head Island: Wednesday, October 8, at 5:30 pm. Join on the lawn to worship with “our animal brothers and sisters” as St. Francis called them. All are welcome. Blessing will be followed by light refreshments for all two and four-footed friends.
• Christ Church, Mt. Pleasant: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 5:30 pm. Bring your four-legged family members for a blessing on the lawn in front of the Main church. All pets must be on a leash or in a crate.
• Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 4 pm. Bring your pets (even the stuffed variety) to Grace to receive a blessing, a tag, and treats. Music will be provided by the children’s choirs. 
• Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island: Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 12, at 5 pm in Miss Ruby’s Garden. Bring your pets for a service and special blessing.
• St. Anne’s, Conway: Saturday, October 4, at 1 pm. All creatures great and small are welcome to receive a blessing, be they living or of the stuffed variety.
• St. Francis, Edisto Island: Blessing of the Animals on October 5, at 3 pm on the front lawn of the church.
• St. James, Charleston (James Island): Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, at 12 pm at the outdoor chapel, followed by a luncheon on the patio behind the St. James Center. 
• St. John’s, Johns Island: Sunday, October 5, at 4 pm. Bring your furry friends to the St. Brigid Altar in the field behind Walton Hall.
• St. Mark’s, Port Royal: Sunday, October 5, at 3 pm. Gather on the Green for this annual animal blessing in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Invite your friends and neighbors; pets must be leashed or in carriers/containers.
• St. Stephen’s, Charleston: Saturday, October 4, at 4 pm AND Sunday, October 5, at 9 am. Join in the garden behind the church to have your animal (stuffed, real, or photo) blessed!
• St. Stephen’s, North Myrtle Beach: Sunday, October 5, at 2 pm. Join us for a Blessing of the Pets at the church columbarium. All are invited—creatures big and small—and even humans without pets!