Oct. 4 & 5 — In honor of the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, several area organizations are holding their annual Blessing of the Animals this coming weekend.
On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society holds an interfaith Blessing of the Animals with Pastor Bill Sheldon of the Brownsville Community Church. Seniors, families, singles, and children of all ages are encouraged to bring their dogs, cats, horses, birds, lizards, pot bellied pigs, fish, turtles and other well-behaved animals; or a photo of your pet. The ceremony will last approximately 30 minutes followed by light refreshments. Donations for the shelter are encouraged. The Lucy Mackenzie Humane Society is located ¼ mile from the intersection of Routes 106 and 44 at 4832 Route 44 in Brownsville. For more info, call 802-HUG-LUCY.
At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on the Hill in Rutland invites all to bring their pets and animals for a blessing. All animals should be on a leash or in an appropriate carrier. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for yourself. Refreshments will follow. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is located just off Woodstock Ave. in Rutland.
On Sunday, Oct. 5, the Union Church of Proctor invites all community members with their animals to the front lawn of the church for a blessing.
Also on Sunday, Oct. 5, the Rutland County Humane Society and Father Liam Muller of Trinity Episcopal Church will host the Blessing of the Animals at 2 p.m., at the Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road in Pittsford. All pets, or picture of your pets, are welcome for a special blessing by Father Muller. The ceremony will be held outside and all pets are encouraged to attend. For more info. visit www.rchsvt.org.
