Community

Blessing of the Animals events planned for North Fork

Old Steeple, Aquebogue
BARBARAELLEN KOCH FILE PHOTO | Frank D’Amico of Medford with his dog, Shane, at last year’s event in Aquebogue. He had asked for prayers for his 15-year-old pet, who was having seizures.

Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue is hosting the first of four “Blessing of the Animals” services scheduled for this weekend on the North Fork.

Those services start at 11 a.m. Saturday and run to 1 p.m. in the church at 656 Main Road.

At last year’s event, Deacon Janet Wright delivered a sermon on what people can learn from their animals and what they teach us about unconditional love.

All four-footed, feathered or reptilian companions are invited, but they must be in a carrier or on a leash for their safety, church officials said.

Animal blessing events are also scheduled for noon Sunday at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 768 Main Street in Greenport, and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday on the lawn at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on Main Road in Mattituck.

To register for the Mattituck event, call 298-8304 or email organizers at [email protected].

St. Isidore School will also have a Blessing of the Animals Sunday at 3 p.m. on the school field on Marcy Ave in Riverhead.

The Blessing of the Animals is a custom done in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

SEE SLIDE SHOW FROM LAST YEAR