Blessing of the Animals


Blessing of the Animals is a special day

at Grace Church. Normally it's held annually,

right outside the church's front-door (with parish hall as a backup venue, in case of rain). 

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People who would like to have their pets receive blessing by our minister

can bring them on leash or in a crate

for an unforgettable day.

Although dogs and cats are the usual attendees, we occasionally have more exotic participants - like a bearded dragon!​

Most animals are very well-behaved, and we simply ask owners to make sure they remain obedient as they go for their blessing.


A smiling boy in a striped sweater holds a clear plastic pet carrier with a small bearded dragon inside

"But now ask the beasts,

and let them teach you;

And the birds of the heavens,

and let them tell you." 

Job 12:7 (NASB)

A woman in a tan jacket holds a brown tabby cat wearing a bright aqua harness outdoors in front of the stone church building.
Smiling girl wearing a blue Chicago Cubs hoodie holds a small black Scottish terrier dog outdoors next to a tree

A family of ferrets joins us

Pastor reaches down to bless a gray pet cat in a light blue crate

Kitty gets blessed

Scruffy tan dog wearing a bright yellow flower-shaped plushy collar, standing on pavement.
A young boy sits on the grass next to a large red and yellow plastic toy car, with a harnessed tabby cat lounging nearby

An Order for the Blessing

of Pets

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"Hear our humble prayer, O God,

for our friends the animals,

especially for animals who are suffering;

for all that are overworked

and underfed and cruelly treated;

for all wistful creatures in captivity

that beat against their bars;

for all that are in pain or dying;

for all that must be put to death.

We ask for them all your mercy and pity.

Make us true friends of animals

and to share in the blessing of the merciful;

for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

 Amen.