The annual Blessing of the Animals, hosted by Grace Episcopal Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, is scheduled for the South Loop/Printers Row. Leading the blessings this year are the Rev. Amity Carrubba of Grace Church and members of Holy Trinity.
This special Pet Blessing worship service starts at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, in Printers Row Park,across the street from Grace Church at 637 S. Dearborn St. (In case of rain, the blessing will take place in Grace’s ground-floor community space.) As in years past, Grace has invited the Chicago Police Department’s Mounted Patrol to attend – and to have their working horses blessed, as well.
Grace and Holy Trinity parishioners, South Loop neighbors, visitors, and assorted pet lovers are welcome. The blessing will recognize and embrace the emotional and often spiritual attachment people have to their pets.
The pet blessing service replaces Grace Church’s regular 10 a.m. sanctuary worship. Volunteers from Friends of Petraits Rescue, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization,will attend with animals in need of forever and foster homes, share information about their work in the Chicagoland area, and how people can support the no-kill shelter. This Sunday’s pet blessing offering will be collected and donated to benefit this rescue.) Animal treats are being donated by Kriser’s Natural Pet, located at 1103 S. State St. in the South Loop.
Grace Episcopal Church is committed, individually and collectively, to social justice and to positive, lasting change.
Call (312) 922-1426.