Monday, October 4, 2021, is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Because Francis expressed his devotion to God through his love for all of God’s creation, the custom of offering blessings of animals around or on his Feast Day grew up.
As always, clergy in the Episcopal Church in North Texas (formerly the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth) are offering blessings of animals in a variety of settings, but with locations and manner of blessings adapted to keep everyone safe in the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the furry co-worker sharing your home has been faithfully keeping you company during hundreds of Zoom meetings, online classes, or sheltering in place, you can still get him or her blessed — in person safely distanced, through a car window, and other safe ways.
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Fort Worth
10 am, St. Christopher Episcopal Church, worshiping with St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 5708 Wedgwood Drive, Fort Worth, 76134
Saturday, October 9, 2021
Decatur
10 am – noon, the Rev. Tony Hiatt will offer Blessing of the Animals on the grounds of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 905 S. Church Street, Decatur, 76234. They will be accepting donations for our local animal shelters for our October Mission of the Month. Shelters are in need of bleach, Dawn, kitty litter, kitten chow, dog food, cat toys, 409 spray, laundry detergent, dryer sheets. Items will be accepted throughout October.
Hillsboro
4 to 6 pm, Saturday, October 9, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, 301 S Waco St in Hillsboro, Texas, the Rev. Paula Jefferson will celebrate a Blessing of Pets for St Francis Day. She will bless dogs, cats, birds, donkeys, or whatever animal you want to bring. Refreshments will be provided for both pets and owners. We will be outside in the shade and sheltered from sun or weather. For questions call 254-582-2255
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Arlington
10 am, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church worshiping in Theatre Arlington will be celebrating the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 3rd, 10 a.m. at Gene Allen Park, right down the street from Theatre Arlington. All varmints welcome (even people ones)! There will be a raffle, a photographer to capture photos of you and your pet and treats for animals and humans. They will be collecting items for the City of Arlington Animal Shelter (suggested donations: paper towels, Clorox Wipes, Windex, hand sanitizer, dog treats, cat toys).
Fort Worth
10 am, St. Luke’s in the Meadow Episcopal Church, now worshiping at 3021 East Rosedale, Ft. Worth, TX 76105, will hold its 6th Annual Bring your Pets to Church Sunday on October 3rd at Oakland Lake Park, Pavilion 1. The pavilion is on the west side of the lake.
Granbury
3 pm, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 4530 Acton Highway, Granbury, TX 76049, the Annual Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 3, on the parking lot! Come and bring all your furry, scaly, and feathered family members to participate in this wonderful celebration of the wondrous gift of our relationship with our fellow creatures in God’s creation!
Keller
5:30 to 6 pm, Drive-thru pet blessing
6 pm, in person blessing, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, 223 S. Pearson Lane, Keller, Texas, 76248, Sunday, October 3, 2021. Please join us for a special service with prayers, Holy Communion, and blessings for all pets, even those who are no longer with us. Grab your leash, crate, cage, tank, halter, or bridle and join us!
Rain & mud plan
If there is rain in our Sunday forecast, our worship will move indoors to the large, east parish hall in our Christian Education building. All your pets are welcome to come, though larger farm animals need to remain in their trailers & wait to be blessed outdoors after the service.
We remember pets who are no longer with us
If your pet is no longer with us, you are welcome to bring a photo so that we can celebrate the life of your pet. We will remember all those creatures who have made our lives special.
Drive-thru pet blessing 5:30 to 6 pm
Some pets have challenges attending an outdoor service with other animals. Is your Fido too feisty or your Princess too prissy for the crowd? Well, good news! We are offering drive-thru pet blessings in the church parking lot from 5:30 to 6 pm, so drive your darling through for some grace-n-go! Teens and younger children with parents to guide them are invited to greet guests and offer prayers and blessings along with one of our priests.
Stuffed animal blessings
Kids are welcome to bring their stuffed animals for a blessing at this service or at our 8 and 10:30 am Sunday services on October 3. Stuffed animals provide real comfort for children, and their love is very real, so we’ll celebrate and give thanks for that love.
Monday, October 4, 2021
Hurst
6 pm, St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 463 W. Harwood Road, Hurst, TX 76054-2941, will offer an outdoor Blessing of the Animals on the Feast of Saint Francis, Monday, October 4th. We’ll wear masks and gather around the gazebo in the Village Plaza parking lot. An offering of pet food will be collected benefitting the 4Saints Food Pantry.