All Saints Catholic Church recently issued the following announcement.
Blessing of Animals (and Their Owners)
Oct. 4th is the memorial of 13th century St. Francis of Assisi, a deacon, who founded the many religious communities known as the Franciscans that follow his approach to prayer, penance, and poverty. He is known as a lover of nature and animals. As such, there will be a special Blessing of Animals (and their owners) on Mon., Oct. 4, at 4:00 pm, in the courtyard by the St. Francis statue, weather permitting. Students from All Saints School, public schools, other private schools, and home-schools are invited, along with other parishioners who may want to join us. Pets, such as dogs, must be on a leash. All pets must be under the control of the owner. Please, no animals which are dangerous or could be harmful to others. Bring your pet and gather in the courtyard. This blessing is to help us remember the goodness that comes to us through God’s creation.
Original source can be found here.