An important creation care opportunity is just around the corner, and Arizona Episcopal Churches will lead the way. On October 4 the church honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.
On that date, and several dates surrounding it, various diocesan communities will celebrate the occasion with a Blessing of the Animals service.
Please plan to attend, and share the opportunity with your animal-loving friends.
Congregations in the diocese planning such services are:
Benson
St. Raphael in the Valley, 730 S. Hwy 80, Benson, 85602
St. Raphael in the Valley will be celebrating St Francis Day with a Blessing of the Animals from 10 am to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4th. Bring your dogs& cats & snakes & yaks, we will bless them all.
Cave Creek
Good Shepherd of the Hills, 6502 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 85331.
October 7, 10 am Blessing of the Animals. A St. Francis’ medal will be given to all animals blessed, while supplies last.
Green Valley
St. Francis in the Valley, 600 S. La Canada Drive, Green Valley 85614.
The community will celebrate its patronal feast at 9 am Sunday, October 1. At 1 p.m. that day, the annual Blessing of the Animals service will be held in the church.
At 2 p.m., special pet memorial services will take place at the Labyrinth and Pet Ossuary. People may bring pet ashes for inclusion in the ossuary.
On Wednesday, October 4, after the 9:00 a.m. service, the Rev’d Judy Turberg will lead a talk on Clare of Assisi at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
Kingman
Trinity Episcopal Church, 425 E, Spring St., Kingman, 86401
During the Sunday 10 am service on October 1.
Mesa
Church of the Transfiguration, we are going to do the Blessing of the Animals on October 8.
8 a.m. pictures of pets welcome (no live animals for allergy sensitivities)
10 a.m. Pets and pictures of pets are welcome.
Paradise Valley
Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 85253
CCA will have a Blessing of the Animals, on Sunday, October 1st at 5:00 p.m. on the east patio. Bring your pet on a leash or carrier and no reservation is required.
Payson
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 E. Tyler Parkway, Payson 85541
St. Paul’s, Payson is having a Blessing of the Animals following the 10 a.m. Oct. 1st Eucharist. Additionally, on Oct. 7th the parish will have a canopy up near the dog park in Rumsey Recreational Park. They will distribute brief literature about the Episcopal Church and St. Paul’s ministries/worship. Certificates will be given to every participant and St. Francis medals will be blessed and given to those interested.
Phoenix
Trinity Cathedral, 100 W, Roosevelt St., Phoenix 85003.
5 p.m. Friday, October 6, in the courtyard. Planned to align with foot traffic for First Friday, a monthly pedestrian-only neighborhood event. A drop-in event in which each pet will be given an individual blessing and a charm with an icon of St. Francis.
Scottsdale
Church of the Nativity, 22405 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale 85255
Blessing of the Animals, 11 a.m. Saturday, October 7.
St. Anthony of the Desert, 12990 E, Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, 85259
Will be held on February 3, with a nod to cooler weather. The celebration will be held from 10 am until 2 pm that Saturday. Adoptions may be available, and other resources, such as talking to others about your animal questions.
Sedona
St, Andrew’s, 100 Arroyo Pinon Drive, Sedona 86336
St, Francis Day worship, 10 am, Sunday, October 1, followed by pet blessings in the memorial garden. Additionally, there will be a service Honoring God in Creation at 10 am Sunday, October 29.
Sonoita
Casa Blanca Mission Chapel will be celebrating on October 14, 10 a.m.
Sun City
All Saints of the Desert, 9502 W. Hutton Dr, Sun City 85351
All Saints of the Desert will be having our annual Blessing of the Animals on October 7th at 1:00 pm on the patio. Bring your animals and get them blessed. We do ask that animals are properly restrained or caged. For any questions, please text or call Donna Betz at 928-587-0783 or email at DaffyDonna@gmail.com.
Tempe
Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road, Tempe 85282
In the Memorial Garden, beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 7.
Tucson
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 545 S. 5th Ave., Tucson, 85701
Annual Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Sept 30 at 9:00 am on the Patio
Bring your critters and invite your friends to bring theirs! All leashed and contained pets are welcome. If your furry, scaled, or feathered companion cannot travel, feel free to bring a photo. Dog treats will be available!
Saint Philip’s in the Hills, 4440 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson 85718
An all-day celebration of the animal world, beginning at 8:30 am with a Blessing of the Animals service with individual medals. In the sanctuary. Following is a campus-wide Animal fair involving exhibits, demonstrations, entertainment, pet food collection, a food truck, coffee service, and food from the parish’s Kitchen on a Mission. Events end at 3 p.m.
St. Michael and All Angels, 602 Wilmot Rd. Tucson 85711. On the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, immediately following our 6:45 – 7:30 pm Taizé service, I will be leading the Transitus of Francis, a set of prayers and Scripture to commemorate the evening that St. Francis died.
Williams
St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grant Ave, Williams, 86046
12:30 pm-2 pm Sunday, October 1 for the community. All pets, all sizes, all kinds are welcome. Will be outside, but there is a rainy-day plan.
Celebrate With Us
Is your congregation planning a celebration for St. Francis Day? Let us know so we can add you to this list! Please email Laurel Way at laurel@azdiocese.org with all of the information.
