Join Us for Blessing of the Animals: BRING YOUR PET TO CHURCH THIS SUNDAY at 4 pm

Two very furry blessings for the Church of Our Saviour (COS) are our church cats, affectionately known as the Associates for Pawstoral Care: Deacon Bill Doulos II and Bishop Michael Purry. These “church bros” bring joy and comfort to the COS staff, including hardcore dog enthusiasts. The children of A Child’s Garden School visit the cats after class to play and give them treats. Countless parishioners, delivery people, and visitors stop by to our offices just to see the boys. Some are even so dedicated as to donate their time and funds to pay for litter and food. All of this truly makes Bill and Bishop gifts from God.

The Episcopal Church has long believed that animals are gifts from God, and that people are responsible for being good stewards of the earth and all its inhabitants. In 2009, during the 76th General Convention, the Episcopal Church reaffirmed this belief. For decades, the Church has spoken against puppy mills, factory farms, and inhumane animal husbandry methods. These positions are not new. Even in 1840, the Rev. Thomas Fuller regretted that humans had exterminated some species and enslaved others, writing, “We have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the devil in human form.”

This Sunday, Oct. 5th, at 4 pm, Church of Our Saviour will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals service in the Telleen Courtyard. We will remember and follow Francis’s example of love for animals and appreciation of God’s creations. And of course, Bill and Bishop will be there in their Sunday finest to get their annual blessing. Please join us! Invite your friends! If you feel your pet is too disruptive, don’t worry – chaos is welcome at this service. By the same lights, if you feel your pet is shy or sensitive, let them stay at home. You can bring a photo of them, or even a stuffed animal, and they will be blessed.  No pet, no problem – remember, Bill and Bishop are your cats too. We will be providing dog and cat treats – including Deacon Bill II and Bishop Purry’s favorite snacks. All critters are welcome – we are expecting chickens, turtles, dogs, cats, and maybe even a snake or two! We hope to see you and your beloved gifts from God this Sunday.