Over 20 dogs, cats and one rabbit attended Redeemer Lutheran Church on Oct. 4, the day of St. Francis Assisi, for the ceremonial Blessing of the animals.
Pastor Jon Christenson noticed many people within the congregation who love pets and decided to recognize them.
This was the first time Redeemer Lutheran Church held the Blessing of the Animals. Christenson confirmed this event will happen again, “This was a big success and we will do it again.”
Sarah Kakuk, 14, whose family rescues cats, brought two cats to be blessed by Christenson. When asked why she brought her cat Leo, Kakuk said, “Everything needs blessing.”
That feeling was shared throughout the community and the congregation on Sunday.
Anita Costamatna had her daughter’s terrier dog, Abby, blessed because she loves animals and thinks they should all be blessed.
Costamatna continued and said, ” I thought the ceremony was great, it was really nice and I would come again.”
This event included live music during the blessing and when Christenson read aloud deceased family member names to be remembered.
“I really liked the ceremony and would recommend it,” said Dustin Peterson, who brought his cat Brodi.