On Friday, October 4, parishioners brought their pets to the Parish Center to be blessed.  October 4 is the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi.  Every Ocober, pets are blessed in honor of St. Francis.  We do this because St. Francis loved animals.

"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.  You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land.  You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters.  We ask you to bless this pet.  By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan.  May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation.  Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!  Amen."