Catholic Churches to Host Blessing of the Pets Ceremonies Saturday

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, catholic churches in Clinton and Macomb townships will host special ceremonies this weekend to bless pets in the community.

These ceremonies are typically held the weekend closest to St. Francis of Assisi's feast day, Oct. 4. This custom is conducted in remembrance of St. Francis' love for all creatures, according to AmericanCatholic.org.

Planning to attend? Upload photos of your four-legged friends here.

Here's where you'll find Blessing of the Pets ceremonies in and around Clinton and Macomb townships:

St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township (entrance off Romeo Plank)

• Oct. 6 at noon, rain or shine
• Blessing will be given in the courtyard. In case of rain, it will be moved to the front entrance of the church off Romeo Plank Road.
• Also includes prizes, refreshments and a pet parade, for which pets and owners are invited to wear costumes.
• All pets must be on leashes. 

St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S. Nunneley, Clinton Township (entrance off Groesbeck, south of 16 Mile Road)

• Oct. 6 at 6 p.m., rain or shine
• Blessing will be given at the front doors of the church.
• All pets must be on leashes. 

St. Ronald Catholic Church, 17701 15 Mile Rd., Clinton Township (west of Kelly Road)

• Oct. 6 at noon, rain or shine
• Blessing will be given at the main entrance, located at the rear of the building.
• All pets must be on leashes. 

St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township (at Canal)

• Oct. 6 at noon, rain or shine
• Blessing will be given at the main entrance, under the overhang.
• All pets must be on leashes.

St. Francis of Assisi - St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Parish, 62811 New Haven Rd., Ray (at North Avenue)

• Oct. 6 at 11:15 a.m., rain or shine
• Blessing will be given in the church parking lot.
• All pets must be on leashes.