St. Mark’s Episcopal Pro-Cathedral in Hastings will celebrate a pet blessing this Saturday at 3 p.m. The tradition is held on or near St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals’ Feast Day and pets of all denominations are welcome.
Patrick Crawford is a member of the cathedral’s vestry and invites kids to bring their favorite stuffed pet too.
“That particular pet, no matter what kind, is a member of a family," Crawford said. "And they deserve to be blessed and lead a good life just as their human counterpart would.”
The event will be outdoors at the church’s courtyard and pets will receive blessing certificates. Guests are asked to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. Crawford also requests that guests bring extra blankets and pet food for donation at the local pet shelter.