Blessing Of The Animals Planned At St. Thomas Episcopal Church In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — The 2025 Blessing of the Animals event at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Temecula falls on Saint Francis Day this year. It is planned for Saturday, October 4th, all are welcome to the church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., located at 44651 Avenida de Missiones.

Rev. Samuel Bourbon will give the Annual Animal Blessing. Also at the event will be kids' face painting and art circle, a demonstration by the 4 Paws 4 Patriots program, a raffle to benefit local shelters, a pet and pet parent photo booth, and live music.

"A Blessing of Animals witnesses to God's love, care and concern for creation," Bourbon said in the church flyer. "God created the animals, the birds of the air and fish of the sea, and the many beloved creatures who walk or crawl on the earth, and God created them to be good. The glory of a horse running, the beauty of an eagle in flight, the majesty of a dolphin leaping all display the wonder of sacred life.

"Our desire is to bless the animals that are in our midst, those who are very close companions, and to ask for God's blessing on these friends and on the many animals who share the Earth with us. The beloved pets, farm pets, and, for those allergic, stuffed animals."

All pets are welcome, a spokesperson for the event said.

"We only ask that they are on a leash or are properly crated. Stuffed animal friends are also welcome to receive a blessing, they said.

"We are looking for a team to help make this another epic year!

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Planning committee
• Set-up or Clean-Up Team
• Kids Art Project
• Pet Photo Booth
• Hand out flyers -- to friends, family, local businesses, our neighbors
• Donate items for our annual raffle -- proceeds are donated to local animal shelters
• Donate bottled water, juice boxes, cookies, chips
• And most importantly, plan to attend!

If you are interested in serving with any of the above, please call or text: 951-551-6277.

This is an opportunity to share our love with our community! Thank you in advance for joining in the fun!