A Blessing of the Animals will again be offered at St. John’s Episcopal Church this Sunday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m., on the church lawn behind the church at 516 E. Broughton St.

This custom is observed in early October each year by many Catholic and Anglican churches in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures, and coincides with the Feast Day of St. Francis on Oct. 4.

Following a short service of prayers and hymns, each pet is individually and gently blessed by a laying on of hands, or touched with holy water. Most animals receive the blessing with a quiet dignity.

There is a special bond between a person and their pet, and the church is the place where the bond of creation is best celebrated.

Everyone is invited to bring his or her pet, companion animal or service animal for a blessing.

All animals must be on a leash or in a crate.