For many years churches, especially those of the Catholic and Episcopal faith, have held an annual service of the Blessing of the Animals.

It is usually held on October 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, or on a Sunday nearest that date. It serves to celebrate and remember the life of St. Francis and his love for all creatures. It is also set to coincide with the conclusion for the Season of Creation.

St. John’s Episcopal Church of Bainbridge will continue their tradition of the annual blessing on Saturday, Sept. 30, beginning at 10 a.m.  The short service of prayer and song will be held on the church lawn between the church and the parish hall.

St. John ‘s new priest, The Reverend Frederick Buechner, will individually bless both pets and their owners, in recognition of the special bond humans have with animals.

An invitation is extended to all pets as long as they are on a secure leash or kept in a carrier.

Although not required, it is suggested that those attending may want to bring food donations to be given to the Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society for the care of shelter animals.