Blessing of the Animals Set for Oct. 4

Pet owners are invited to bring their animals, or an object representing the animal, to receive a special blessing at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, at either campus of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. The blessing is a celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.

The Rev. Carmelo Giuffre, pastor for the parishes of Nativity of the Lord, St. Paul, and St. Veronica, will offer the blessing in the east parking lot of the center's Stein Campus, 2801 E. Morgan Ave; the Rev. Richard Shaw, who provides pastoral care at the Bucyrus Campus, will offer the blessing in the Intergenerational Playground at that campus, 2450 W. North Ave.

“It’s fitting that we bless the animals who bless our lives in so many ways,” said Rodican Rose Bonn, director of pastoral care at the Stein Campus.

Pet owners who find it difficult to bring their animals in may bring something to represent the pet, such as a photo, a collar or a favorite toy.

In conjunction with the blessing, the adult clients from each campus have planned a pet-themed rummage sale, with pet treats they've made and pet items that have been donated -- all proceeds will be used to subsidize field trips and other activities at the nonprofit center.

The pet blessing is a beloved community tradition in the Stein Campus neighborhood; the Bucyrus Campus joined in for the first time last year.

For more information about the Stein Campus blessing, call Rodican Rose Bonn at (414) 977-5075; for information about the Bucyrus Campus blessing, call Lori Grzybowski at (414) 977-5064.