Peter’s welcomes animals for annual blessing ceremony

The annual Blessing of the Animals Festival at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

Light refreshments will be served as well as water and treats for the animals. If a pet cannot come to the church, a photo of the pet can be brought for a blessing. People also may bring photos of their pets and stuffed animals.

All animals must either be leashed or in a carrier. The blessing of pets in his name has a long history in the church.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4490 Norquest Boulevard, Austintown: A pet blessing will take place at 2 p.m. October 2 near the St. Francis of Assisi statue located at the front of church grounds.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church also has a St. Francis Memorial Garden where the cremains of pets can be interred.

The American Greyhound Rescue is a not for profit corporation dedicated to finding homes for unwanted greyhounds, and will have greyhounds available for adoption.

St. Theresa Parish’s Blessing of the Animals will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct 1., 2016, 136 W. Waukesha Road, Eagle. The service will be a casual one, held outdoors in front of the church. The event will take place on the side lawn of the Church located on the corner of Montrose Street and Lake Avenue.