All creatures, great and small - from guinea pigs and rabbits to cats and dogs - are being invited to take part in a special Blessing of the Animals service at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie Street, Wanniassa, on Sunday, October 13 at 9.30am.
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Reverend Elizabeth Raine said the event celebrated St Francis of Assisi - Patron Saint of Animals - and would be a service of thanksgiving and animal blessing for all the pets and companion animals that bring us joy and help us to live fuller lives.
Smaller animals such as mice and rabbits should be in carrying boxes, and dogs on leads. Cats should be in appropriate containers.
If your pet is not the social kind, you are invited to bring a photo or a stuffed animal to be blessed in their stead.
"Animals have been part of human communities for many centuries," Rev. Raine.
"They bring us joy, enrich our lives and teach us about faithfulness, friendship, love, and forgiveness. They bring comfort and companionship and are gifts from God."
The service would also remember those animals who helped humankind in many ways: as companions, guide dogs, hearing dogs, animals for people with disabilities and in nursing homes; in the detection of crime and at times of war.
At the end of the service, there will be retiring offering for the work of the RSPCA ACT.