NEWBERRY — “The Blessing of Animals” in honor of St. Francis of Assisi will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 16 at St. Luke’s Parish House, 1605 Main St. in Newberry.
The Rev. Elizabeth Morgan, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, will conduct the ceremony.
The St. Francis of Assisi “Blessing of Animals” is an Episcopal liturgy. Father Frederick C. Byrd, former St. Luke’s Vicar and District Arch Deacon, directed and officiated the first Liturgy in the 1970’s and the service continues to be the church’s custom to celebrate St. Francis birth date.
The Liturgy will include scripture readings, prayers, and the opportunity for pet owners to honor the blessing and the relationship with their animals and pray for those less fortunate.
An offering will be taken for the Newberry Animal Care and Control. Participants are encouraged to bring dog and cat food, old clean bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, and old newspapers. These items will be presented to Newberry County Animal Care and Control.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church extends an invitation to all animal lovers to gather for this blessing to renew responsibilities to protect and care for their companions.
Dogs should be leashed and cats and kittens confined in carriers. Adults must accompany children.