Christ Episcopal Cathedral
Christ Cathedral clergy and members invite the community to the church’s annual "St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service" on Sunday, October 5 at 4:00 pm , at 138 S. 8th Street in downtown Salina.
Christ Cathedral’s annual St. Francis Blessing of the Animals Service welcomes all safe, well-behaved animals who are on a leash or in a carrier or tank. Less social animals can be blessed using a hard-copy photograph or digital image.
Each animal is blessed by the presiding priest with a personal prayer and a light sprinkle of holy water. Every pet in attendance receives a St. Francis medal for its collar and a baggie of pet treats. If you have lost a pet in the last year, please bring a picture of them and join us that day, as we will remember all fur family members who have passed over the rainbow bridge.
A renowned friar from Assisi, Italy, St. Francis is said to have spoken to a wolf and preached to birds. Born to affluence, St. Francis dedicated his life in ministry to the most vulnerable of God’s creatures. He is the founder of the religious Order of St. Francis.
The Pet Blessing is held in the Cathedral’s shaded, fenced Gazebo Park directly south of the education building and parish hall. Pet owners are welcome to take their own pictures during and after the Blessing service.
Special invited guests this year will include local service animals and canine partners from local law-enforcement agencies and USD 305. Cash donations will be accepted that day to benefit the shared City-County Salina Animal Services/Shelter.
No RSVP is needed; arrive 10 minutes in advance to give you and your pet ample space alongside other guests.
Christ Cathedral is “the church in the heart of the city, with a heart for the city.” Established in 1906, the Cathedral is the largest, most active congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Kansas, that stretches from Salina to the Colorado border.
The Cathedral houses a flourishing Montessori School, leads the Welcome Table daily lunch program provided at Salina Grace on Broadway, and offers programs including Bible studies, Book Club, musical outreach and more.
For more information, contact Mo. Shay Craig at [email protected], call (785) 827-4440 or visit https://www.facebook.com/christcathedralsalina.