Blessing of the Animals!

SHREWSBURY – The First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury will be hosting its 3rd Annual Blessing of the Animals event on Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm on the Shrewsbury Town Common. This event coincides with the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals. It is free and open to the public. A blessing ceremony will take place promptly at noon, followed by all community pets being individually blessed by Pastor Holly MillerShank. Each blessed pet will receive a special blessing tag. Also in attendance will be our special rescue guests, the Worcester Animal Rescue League, Handsome Dan’s Rescue and Dog Orphans Rescue who will be promoting their wonderful pets up for adoption and providing information about their rescues and their services. This year, attendees are encouraged to bring a pet food donation to benefit the Central Mass Pet Pantry in Shrewsbury, which will also be in attendance. CMPP’s mission is to provide pet food and supplies to individuals and families in Central Massachusetts who are struggling to afford them, ensuring that pets can remain with their owners and don’t have to be surrendered due to financial hardship. The church is also sponsoring FREE pony rides provided by Ridge Valley Stables from 12:30-2:30 pm. Other participants providing information and items for sale will be Uhlman’s Ice Cream Truck, Chiampa Funeral Home pet cremation services, Pet Care 101 information provided by Steven Lombardi, and a fun Pick-A-Plush Pet for a $10 donation. All well-behaved pets are invited to bring their people. Photo and stuffed animal pet representations are welcome. In the event of rain, an abbreviated version of this event that will include a blessing service only will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm.