AL -- The feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, is Oct. 4. Some of the area congregations honoring his gentleness for all of God's creatures include:
Sept. 26: Service for the Animals. Well-behaved pets welcome to attend or bring photographs to be put on the altar. Animal minister Jodi Rutenberg will lead a collective blessing during the service. Individual blessings available after the service. Adoptable animals will also be available. 10:30 a.m. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Road S.E. 256-883-8596.
Blessing of the Animals. 4 p.m. Chase Valley United Methodist Church, 1635 Winchester Road. 256-859-1853, cvcoffice@chasevalleychurch.org
Oct. 3
* Blessing of the Animals includes adoptable animals available from New Leash on Life at 3 p.m. Blessing at 4 p.m. St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 12200 Bailey Cove Road. 256-880-0247.
Oct. 4
* Blessing of the Animals. New Market Presbyterian Church, on Church Street in New Market. Pastor Bradley David Hall will officiate, with assistance from his faithful dog, Lattimore. 6 p.m., rain or shine. All animals are welcome. Shy animals or those unaccustomed to the public may be blessed in cars, trailers or carriers. House-calls in the New Market area as requested by parishioners and neighbors. 256-533-4845.
Resources:
* The Humane Society of the United States offers "St. Francis Day in a Box" for $15 that includes "The Cove," an Oscar award-wining 2009 documentary on DVD, "The Green Bible Devotional" book of daily readings, "Eating Mercifully" DVD, "A Religious Case for Compassion for Animals" by Dr. Matthew Scully, postcards and action guides for youth and teens.