Grace Episcopal Church will bless companion animals and donations to HumaneCNY at the annual Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi Pet Blessing at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. The brief service of blessing will be held in the outdoor memorial garden area (indoors in case of bad weather) and followed by treats for animals and their human companions. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church is located at 110 Oswego St. (Route 48) in Baldwinsville.
Grace Church’s September Outreach is “Pet Project,” a collection of materials and money for HumaneCNY. Items needed include bleach, hand soap, dish detergent, laundry detergent, trash bags, paper towels, cat litter (non-clumping preferred), food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and rabbits (bags and cans), toys for cats or dogs, towels, sheets and blankets (used but clean). Items may be brought to the event or dropped off at the church on Sunday morning or Monday through Friday during office hours (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays).
“Companion animals are a gift of God,” said the Rev. Cathy Carpenter, rector of Grace Church. “Pets can take us out of our own self-focused concerns and give us a hint of the uncomplicated and unconditional love that is at the heart of God, both in their love for us and what they call forth from those who care for them.”
Grace Episcopal Church has been part of the Baldwinsville community since 1835. Sunday services are at 8 and 10:30 a.m. For more information visit GraceEpiscopalBaldwinsville.org.
