All Pets Great And Small Invited For Pet Blessing At New Lenox Church

NEW LENOX, IL — Blessings from a church official aren't just for humans anymore. A church in New Lenox will offer blessings to any and all furry, fuzzy or feathery pets, and even ones with scales are welcome.

Chrystal Abbott is the pastor at Central Presbyterian Church, 1101 Gougar Road, and will be leading the pet blessings there at 4 p.m. Sept. 17.

"Animals are part of our family," Abbott said. "God loves them, and why not celebrate that?"

Abbott will bless each individual pet and its family, or a photo of the pet if the pet cannot make it to the blessing.

"Then we'll say a prayer that everybody watch over each other and know that God is with them," Abbott said.

Although this will be the first time a pet blessing is being offered at Central Presbyterian Church, Abbott has plenty of experience through he previous congregation in blessing all kinds of pets, from cats and dogs to lambs and horses. She joined the New Lenox church as pastor in January 2021.

"We once had a turtle escape, but that's about the biggest 'oops' we've had," Abbott said.

But, not to worry. The turtle was found safe and sound, she said.

The pet blessing ceremony is free for the public to attend. Donations will be accepted during the ceremony, which will go toward a local no-kill animal shelter, Abbott said. Those who want the blessing do not have to be members of the church to attend.

Pet owners are asked to keep their pets on a leash or in a carrier for everyone's safety.

The ceremony is scheduled to be an outdoor event; however, should the weather not cooperate, a yet-to-be-determined rain date will be announced by the church.

For more information, be sure to check out Central Presbyterian Church on Facebook.