Blessing of the Animals

Many churches in the United States celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi early October each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the  patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be “blessed."

And so, on Sunday, October 6th, the congregation of St. Bede Episcopal Church in Forest Grove, Oregon included a "Blessing of the Animals" in our morning service. 
It was chaotic
it was filled with barking dogs, frightened cats, and scared gerbils
it was exciting for the kids
it was nerve-wracking for the priest
and it was yet another unique worship experience for this church musician.