Salisbury Cathedral’s popular Service for the Blessing of Pets returns this month and St Albans is getting ready to welcome all creatures great and small in October.
All Creatures Great and Small: A service of blessing for our pets – Salisbury Cathedral Saturday 19 September, 2pm
The service will be an informal afternoon service in Salisbury Cathedral that will bless and give thanks for all God’s creatures, and the joy and companionship they bring to our daily lives. Aimed at children and families, all are welcome to come along with their pets, or bring a photograph of their favourite animal.
The service takes place at the west end of the Cathedral, with the large doors opening onto the lawn, for larger animals who are unable to enter the Cathedral. Visitors are welcome to join the service inside the Cathedral or gather with their animals outside. The homily will be given by the Revd Sophie Ferguson, Assistant Curate, with the Revd Ross Meikle, Missioner of Young People, leading the service.
The last two years have seen over 250 people attending last year with 60 dogs, guinea pigs, mice, cats, gerbils and a tortoise.
The Revd Ross Meikle, Missioner for Young People, said:
“The pets and animals in our lives teach us so much about how to live well. When we care for them, we become servants of God’s creation. When we play with them, we know joy. At the end of their life, we learn about death, grief, and the hope of reunion in the world to come. They enrich our lives, combat loneliness and teach us how to love. This is service is an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and give thanks for the pets in our lives, blessing them as they in turn bless us.”
All Creatures Great and Small: A service of blessing for our pets takes place on Saturday 19 September at 2pm at Salisbury Cathedral Further information can be found on salisburycathedral.org.uk, for information on accommodating larger and outdoor animals, please contact marketing@salcath.co.uk.
Photo credit : Finnbarr Webster
St Albans Cathedral will hold a short and informal pet service for all Creatures Great and Small on 4 October.
Visitors are invited to bring their pets for a blessing as the cathedral gives thanks for all God’s creatures and the joy and companionship they bring to our daily lives.
All are welcome – two legs and four!
More info here.
Ely Cathedral will hold their annual pet and working animal service on 20 September.
All creatures, great and small, furry, feathered, scaly or smooth, are welcome. Bring a photograph if you can’t bring your pet (or if your beloved animal friend is no longer with you).
All the animals will be blessed and the service will reflect on how we can best be stewards of the Earth and all who live here with us. All proceeds from this service will go to animal charities.
