(Staff Report) - Pet owners and their pets are welcome to participate in a service to bless the animals of all creation between 9:30-10 a.m. Sunday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Carson City.
Rev. Jeff Paul and participants will gather in the church yard around an alter and Paul will bless the animals.
For those who wish to remember a pet on St. Francis' day, there will be a prayer bowl on the outdoor altar to hold mementos that will be blessed during the service. Mementos can be picked up after the service.
St. Peter's is at the corner of Division and Telegraph streets.
For information, call Linda Goldsmith at 749-5801.
Blessings from www.americancatholic.org:
For all animals:
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures.
On the fifth and sixth days of creation, you called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land.
You inspired St. Francis to call all animals his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this animal.
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.
For a sick animal:
Heavenly Father, you created all things for your glory and made us stewards of this creature.
If it is your will, restore it to health and strength.
Blessed are you, Lord God, and holy is your name for ever and ever. Amen.