This year's Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday Oct 11th at 5pm in the Zabriskie Chapel Parking Lot. There will be options for people who want a maximum socially-distanced blessing to stay in their vehicles and participate. There will be plenty of space for people who want their furry family members to romp around (if you know your furry family member to be friendly with strangers) and plenty of time for you to shop for Pumpkins before and after the pet blessing. Members of the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) will also have their Second Sunday's service activity out behind Zabriskie after the pet blessing, email our Assistant Rector at ssheridan@icoh.net for details

In what has become a favorite Immanuel autumn tradition, we gather near the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), in remembrance of his love of all creatures, to bless the animals who bring us joy.

All creatures are welcome to receive the blessing (in baskets, containers, or on leashes as needed to protect them from other nearby animals).

“All praise to you, O Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

Prayer for my Pet

In your infinite wisdom, Lord God, when You created the Universe, You blessed us with all living creatures.
We especially thank You for giving us our pets who are our friends and who bring us so much joy in life.
Their presence very often helps us get through trying times.
Kindly bless my pet.
May my pet continue giving me joy and remind me of Your power.
May we realize that as our pets trust us to take care of them, so we should trust You to take care of us, and in taking care of them we share in Your love for all Your creatures.
Enlighten our minds to preserve all endangered species so that we may continue to appreciate all of Your creations.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.