All Invited To Blessings Of Animals

The annual Blessing of the Animals Celebration  will take place this weekend at three of Newtown’s churches: Newtown United Methodist Church, St Rose of Lima, and Trinity Episcopal Church.

Services on the weekend of September 30–October 1 will serve as remembrances of St Francis of Assisi, lover of animals whose feast day falls on October 4. Collections at St Rose and Trinity Churches also will benefit the Newtown Dog Pound. Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason will also be available at services.

Pets should be properly leashed or contained at any of the events. All are welcome.

St Rose of Lima Church, at 46 Church Hill Road, will host its Blessings of the Animals ceremony on Saturday, September 30, beginning at 9 am.

Canine Advocates of Newtown (CAN) coordinator Virginia Jess will also join the parade of residents with some pets from the pound. Residents, their four-legged-friends, and other pets will also have a chance to meet Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason, who has been invited. Musicians Helen Malyszka, Trish Kiel, and Andy LaFerniere will provide the music for the event.

Newtown United Methodist Church, 92 Church Hill Road in Sandy Hook, will hold a Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 1, at 2 pm. Services will take place by the river. Call 426-9998.

Trinity’s celebration will also be observed on Sunday, October 1, although the Episcopal church’s celebration will begin at 4 pm. The blessing will serve this year as a commemoration of St Francis of Assisi as well as a benefit event for the Newtown pound.

Newtown Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason has been invited to attend the event, along with some of her “furry friends” who are in need of finding a good home.

The service will be outdoors, behind the church building. Organizers hope that Newtown residents, their families, and friends will bring their pets, farm animals, birds, etc. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed teddy bear, dog, etc as well.

Organizers are asking those who attend to bring donations for the pound’s behalf. A special area will be set aside for those who might want to bring some needed items such as paper towels, Iams canned dog food, dishwasher and/or laundry detergent, or beef treats.

Following the Blessing of the Animals, there will be a reception. Refreshments for people and animals will be served.

Trinity Episcopal Church is at 36 Main Street. Parking is available; driveways are available off Main Street and Church Hill Road. For additional information contact Donna Randle at 364-9772 or Jennifer Larsen-Neumann, 268-2192.