Blessing of the animals Sept. 30 in Gravenhurst

Mary Leger | St. James Anglican Church

GRAVENHURST — Our pets did not ask us to take them into our homes but, once there, they love us unconditionally.

Bring your pet or just yourself Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. to St. James Anglican Church for the annual Blessing of the Animals large and small.

Isn’t it appropriate, then, that once a year we bring our pets together to give thanks for the years of loyalty they have given us, and to ask God’s blessing on our animal family members who have blessed us so much in their relatively short lives?

St. James Anglican Church, Gravenhurst has held a Blessing of the Animals service each year since 2009 on the Sunday closest to St. Francis of Assisi Day. St. Francis of Assisi is the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology.

Won’t you please join us at 3 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 30, at St. James Anglican Church, 191 Hotchkiss St., Gravenhurst, to celebrate the love that our pets so unselfishly give during the year?

Everyone is welcome!   No pet? No problem! Please come and enjoy the antics of God’s creatures! We look forward to seeing you!   Let’s fill the church with ALL creatures, great and small!

Please consider bringing a donation to help animals at the OSPCA Bracebridge shelter awaiting adoption. Your donation can be as simple as used (washed) towels or blankets or you may wish to buy high efficiency laundry detergent or dog or cat toys. MONEY is always welcome.

See  3 photos of past blessings, below.

Tom W. Brooks and his ever faithful charge Chico were regular visitors to the annual blessing at St. James.
Dogs big and small love coming to church for the blessing.
It’s always a fun time when the animals get together to share their blessings.