DOVER — St. John’s Episcopal Church will host its annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the church, located at 11 South Bergen Street, Dover.
Community members are invited to bring their beloved furry friends to be part of this special service that honors the joy and companionship pets bring into people’s lives. The blessing is open to dogs and cats only, and will be incorporated into the church’s worship service.
The Blessing of the Animals tradition is celebrated in many churches worldwide in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and ecology, whose feast day is observed each October.
“We welcome everyone to join us in this celebration,” said a church representative. “Our pets are part of our families, and this is a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the love and companionship they provide.”