St. Patrick’s to hold celebration, Blessing of the Animals Sunday

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By Anthony Aldwell | Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church will gather for a celebration of the gifts of creation and a Blessing of the Animals this Sunday, Oct. 2, in honor of St. Francis Day. 

Join in a liturgy of Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. as we give thanks for and rejoice in the gifts of creation or come to the Blessing of the Animals in the church parking lot at 11:30 a.m. All animals and their humans are welcome to participate in this event at St Patrick’s Church, located next to the hospital at 225 S. Pagosa Blvd. 

If you cannot make the celebration at St. Patrick’s on Oct. 2, you are welcome to drop by the Geothermal Greenhouse Partnership Amphitheater by the river on St. Francis Day, Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., weather permitting, for a walk-by animal blessing. 

The rector of St. Patrick’s, the Rev. Wren Blessing, whose family includes a lovable Labrador, summarized the purpose of this special day, noting, “We are reminded of God’s love, care, loyalty and playfulness through the animals in our lives. They are part of our daily rhythms, but are often left out of our community gatherings and formal spiritual practice. St. Francis Day is a wonderful opportunity to grow in relationship with one another by receiving and giving thanks for the animals in our lives.”