In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, churches and schools across the diocese will hold animal blessings on or near his feast day, which is celebrated Oct. 4.
Check out the listings below for a blessing near you.
CHARLESTON—St. John, Blessed Sacrament, Summerville Catholic, Divine Redeemer, and Nativity schools will all participate in the blessing of the pets at Charles Towne Landing on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. The schools will pray together along with pastors and religious brothers from the diocese.
CHARLESTON—St. Joseph Church will celebrate with a blessing of the animals on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in front of the Family Life Center, 1695 Wallenberg Blvd. All species of animals and their owners are invited. A donation of dog or cat food is appreciated. Call the church, 843-556-4611.
LAKE WYLIE—All Saints Church will hold a blessing of the animals on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. on the front lawn, 530 Highway 274. Children who do not have a pet or cannot transport it can bring their favorite stuffed toy animal. Call the church, 803-367-3299.
AIKEN—St. Mary Help of Christians Church will hold a blessing of the animals on Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. on the rectory lawn, located at 118 York St. Call the church, 803-649-4777.
BEAUFORT—St. Peter Church will hold its blessing of the animals on Oct. 4 after the 8:30 a.m. Mass at 70 Lady’s Island Drive. Bring animals, crated or on leash, to the courtyard in front of the church. Contact: Jessica Green, 843-522-2163.
DANIEL ISLAND—St. Clare of Assisi will have a blessing of pets on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. in the future church site at the corner of Seven Farms Drive and Etiwan Park St. Prizes for best dressed dog/cat, best dressed other, and best pet trick. All pets and faith traditions welcome. Details: https://www.clare.church.
SUMMERVILLE—St. Theresa the Little Flower Church, 11001 Dorchester Road, will hold a pet blessing Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. in front of the church. Pets must be friendly, leashed, caged or held securely. Details: www.sttheresachurch.com or call 843-875-5002.
COLUMBIA—The Basilica of St. Peter will hold a pet blessing on Oct. 3 at 6:15 p.m. behind the basilica. Pets should be in a crate or on a leash. Families with pets whose behavior is a concern may bring a picture instead. Call the parish office, 803-779-0036 or email stpeters@visitstpeters.org.
BLYTHEWOOD—Transfiguration Church will hold a pet blessing on Oct. 4 at 6:45 p.m. in the parking lot at 306 North Pines Road. Pets should be leashed, crated, or in trailers. Contact Valerie Shealy, vshealy@charlestondiocese.org or call the church office, 803-735-0512.
LEXINGTON—Corpus Christi Church will hold a Blessing of the Animals in honor of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. in front of the church, 2350 Augusta Highway. Call the church, 803-359-4391.
TAYLORS—Prince of Peace Church will hold a blessing of the animals on Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. at 1209 Brushy Creek Road, with Father Richard Tomlinson, parochial vicar. All animals are welcome — dogs, cats, turtles, fish, horses, and more — and should be appropriately leashed or crated. Contact: Kylee Heap, communications@princeofpeacetaylors.org or call the parish office, 864-331-3901.
CHAPIN—Our Lady of the Lake will hold a blessing of all pets in honor of St. Francis on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. in the church parking lot, 195 Amicks Ferry Road. Please have dogs on leashes, horses in trailers, cats in carriers, etc. Call the church, 803-345-3962.
BLUFFTON—St. Gregory the Great School will hold a blessing of the animals for the school, parish and community on Oct. 4 at 8 a.m. at 38 Saint Gregory Drive, in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. All mild-tempered animals are welcome and must be leashed or kenneled. Students may bring their favorite stuffed animal if their family pet is unable to attend. Call the school, 843-815-9988.
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