Community Corner
15th Annual North Shore Blessing of the Animals at All Saints Church, Sat. Oct. 4, from 1 -2 PM
They walk beside us, comforting without words. Once a year, we gather to honor their presence and to bless the ones who bless us daily.
DANVERS, MA — All Saints Episcopal Church and its outreach ministry, Perfect Paws Pet Ministry, warmly invite you to the 15th Annual North Shore Blessing of the Animals—a cherished tradition for residents of towns north of Boston. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, rain or shine, on the church green located across from Danvers Town Hall. Ample on street parking is available.
The Blessing of the Animals honors St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, whose love for all living beings continues to inspire. His feast day, October 4th, is celebrated around the world with ceremonies that recognize the holy bond between humans and animals. St. Francis referred to animals as “brother and sister creatures,” and, it is said that he once gave up his own shelter so a donkey could rest.
The Blessing of the Animals reminds us of St. Francis’s enduring example: love for all creatures, reverence for the earth, and solidarity with the poor and oppressed. His legacy calls us to live with compassion and humility.
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Rev. Ann Perrott, Bridge Priest at All Saints North Shore, will offer gentle, hands-on blessings to every animal present—dogs, cats, ferrets, guinea pigs, gerbils, fish, and more. She will also bless photographs of pets who cannot attend due to temperament, illness, or passing, offering prayers of healing and comfort.
Unable to attend? Request a blessing by email
For those unable to attend in person, blessings may be requested by email. Please send your pet’s name, species, and the type of blessing desired to perfectpawsministry@gmail.com. All email prayers will be lovingly acknowledged.
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Last year, one participant emailed on behalf of Harlequin, a Great Dane with a low tolerance for small dogs: “My 'Hoomans' wouldn’t let me come today.” Whether your animal companion is present in body or spirit, they are welcome.
Free and Open to All
This gathering is free and open to all—believers, seekers, and those who come with love.
Rev. Ann will lay hands on each animal, praying for a long life, good health, and a happy, caring home and offer blessings for animals who have died.
About Perfect Paws Pet Ministry
The Perfect Paws Pet Ministry fosters meaningful connections among pets, their people, and the wider community. Offerings include:
Monthly Worship Service (via Zoom: Meeting ID: 990 855 545 / Password: Saintfranc)
Third Sunday of each month, 5–6 PM
Featuring live music, pet prayers, blessings and intercessions
Veterinary Companioning
Support for those whose animals are ill, facing surgery, or nearing the end of life
Pet Loss Bereavement Support
Free, confidential care from our certified Pet Bereavement Counselors
Therapy Dog Certification & Deployment on the North Shore
In partnership with Dog B.O.N.E.S. Therapy Dogs of Massachusetts
St. Francis Meditation & Pet Memorial Garden
A sacred space in our courtyard dedicated to honoring beloved companions with granite urns or engraved river rocks
Memorial Services for Deceased Pets
Pet Food & Supply Collections
Benefiting the People-to-People Food Pantry in Danvers, MA
“The response we get from pet owners is that this ministry is a lifeline, in good times, yes, but especially during times of sadness and loss," says Pet Chaplain Fran Weil.
“As a network of caring, we are here to listen, to lean in, and to support and validate the often crushing emotions that come with worry and the loss of a beloved pet -- a best friend. A person's bond with their cherished animal is sacred. We honor that bond in ceremony, yes—but most importantly, we honor it through a loving, compassionate community.”
Join us as we celebrate the blessings of our furry, feathered, and finned friends.
Location:
All Saints Episcopal Church, 46 Cherry Street, Danvers, MA (corner of Holten and Cherry Streets)
Questions?
Call our Parish Office at 978-774-1150, email pefectpawsministry@gmail.com , or visit our website: perfectpawspetministry.com
