Corpus Christi Goes to the Dogs…and Cats…and Rabbits

Corpus Christi School students and families really love their pets. This was evident recently when they celebrated the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi with a special Blessing of the Animals. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade gathered in the school yard along with their parents and their four legged family members. Dogs, cats, bunny rabbits, and hamsters all came to school that day.

Corpus Christi Pastor Fr. Tom Cieslikowski reminded the community, “ As a friend of the poor who was loved by God’s creatures, Saint Francis invited all of creation – animals, plants, natural forces, even Brother Sun and Sister Moon – to give honor and praise to the Lord. When we bless our animal friends today, we carry on his tradition of honoring all of what God has given to us.”

Principal Ann Sarpu brought her dog, a Havanese named Mylo, to join in the fun, as did a few other staff members. Students were delighted that, as they changed classes or were on their way to recess, they got to stop by and catch up with their furry new friends. Eighth grader Lauren Pickering noted, “It was such a fun time – the whole school got together, even the younger kids, and we got to see each other’s pets and spend time together. I loved being there with my dog Coal and with my classmates.”

Corpus Christi School provides a rigorous curriculum to over 350 students in PreK – 8th grade. Students hail from 26 different towns across the state. In 2012, Corpus Christi School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in the Exemplary High Performing Category. Recent graduates have gone on to continue their education at both locally and nationally competitive high schools such as Xavier, Mercy, Northwest Catholic, East Catholic, Choate Rosemary Hall, Loomis Chaffee, Kingswood Oxford, and Miss Porter’s School.