On Sunday, October 12, First Parish in Milton, Unitarian Universalist, will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals.  In this unique service, congregants are invited to bring their pets of all shapes and sizes to receive individual blessings from Interim Minister, Rev. Hank Peirce.  This is always an experience to cherish, and members of the broader community are invited to come with their furry, feathered, scaly, or slippery friends.

This custom of blessing animals has long been practiced all over the world in memory of Saint Francis of Assisi, whose life of compassion led him to recognize the connections between all beings on earth.  In that same tradition, one of the principles of the Unitarian Universalist faith is respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.  During the Blessing of the Animals, those connections and interdependence become visible in new and meaningful ways.

During the service, participants will reflect in story, song, and words about the important bond we have with all creatures.   Music provided by Joel Hiller.  If your pet will not be able to make it through worship in the company of other people and animals, you may bring a photo to be blessed instead.

First Parish is located at 535 Canton Ave. and services begin at 10:30 am.