TEMECULA, CA — Four-legged, feathered, and even stuffed companions are invited to St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Temecula on the first Saturday in October for the church's annual Blessing of the Animals.
The community event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, located at 44651 Avenida De Missiones in Temecula. All pets are welcome, though animals should be leashed or properly crated, according to the church.
This year's blessings will be offered by the Rev. Brainerd Dharmaraj, the church's new vicar. Dharmaraj recently joined St. Thomas and is now serving as the congregation's clergy leader.
The Blessing of the Animals is an annual St. Thomas tradition and will include more than the individual pet blessings. Organizers are planning children's activities, face painting, live music, animal rescue organizations and pet-care services.
Families can also take part in rock painting for the church's Pet Memorial Garden, stop for photos at a pet-and-owner photo booth and enter a raffle benefiting local animal shelters.
And children without a live pet don't have to miss out: stuffed animals are also welcome to receive a blessing.
The event comes early in Dharmaraj's tenure at St. Thomas, a church that describes itself as an
inclusive Episcopal congregation serving Temecula and the surrounding community, with Sunday worship services and ministries focused on worship, fellowship and service."
Blessing of the Animals services are traditionally associated with the October feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, and are held by Episcopal and other Christian congregations around the country.
What: St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church Annual Blessing of the Animals
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church, Temecula
Who: Pets of all kinds are welcome, including stuffed animals. Live animals should be leashed or properly crated.
Activities: Animal blessings, children's art activities, face painting, animal rescue and pet-care organizations, Pet Memorial Garden rock painting, a photo booth, raffle and live music.
Raffle proceeds will benefit local animal shelters.
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