Blessing of the Animals (and Stuffed Animals)
Sunday, October 5, 2025
5:30 pm
Each year, St. Paul’s joins Christians around the world in celebrating the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by blessing the animals who share our lives. This joyful tradition reminds us of the goodness of all creation and our calling to care for it.
On Sunday, October 5, children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal to the 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. services for a special blessing during worship.
Later that day, at 5:30 p.m., pets and their people are invited to gather in the St. Paul’s Greenspace for the annual Blessing of the Animals service. Bring your dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, fish (in bowls!), or any creature you love. All animals are welcome — big or small, furry, scaly, or feathered. Please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
EYC (Episcopal Youth) will gather at 4:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall to decorate treats in preparation for the Blessing of the Animals. Youth are encouraged to come help create these special treats and share in the fun before the main service.
As part of our celebration, we will collect pet food and donations to support Fayetteville Animal Services.
Come and share in this joyful, family-friendly event as we give thanks for the animals who bless our lives and ask God’s blessing on them in return.