Blessing of the Animals on the Capitol Grounds

On Sunday, October 5th, at 4:00 PM, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd invites you to join us on the North Carolina State Capitol grounds for our annual Blessing of the Animals. This tradition is a favorite for many in our community, offering an opportunity to give thanks for the loyal and loving creatures who share our lives. All are welcome—parish members, our neighbors, and every person who cherishes their animal companions.

Why an Episcopal Church Blesses Animals
At its heart, the Blessing of the Animals is a celebration of God's boundless creation. The tradition is rooted in the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. While St. Francis lived in the 12th century, his radical love for all living things continues to inspire us today. He saw every creature as a brother or sister, a part of the same divine family.

For our parish, this service is a way to live out our call to be stewards of creation. We believe that God's love and grace are present in all things, and that includes our pets. They teach us about unconditional love, loyalty, and joy. This annual blessing is a visible expression of our faith that God's compassion extends to all creatures, and we, as their caregivers, are called to mirror that compassion.

What to Expect at the Service
The service will be a brief and joyful celebration, taking place on the beautiful grounds of the Morgan Street lawn of the NC State Capitol, just a short walk from our church. We will offer a prayer and a reading from scripture, and then our clergy will offer a personal blessing to each animal who comes forward.

We encourage you to bring all your pets—dogs on leashes, cats in carriers, and even more exotic companions. If your pet is shy or anxious in crowds, you are welcome to bring a photograph of them to receive the blessing. It is a moment to connect with one another, share stories of our beloved pets, and simply celebrate the joy they bring into our lives.

Join us on Sunday, October 5th, at 4:00 PM on the NC State Capitol grounds in downtown Raleigh. We look forward to seeing you and your faithful friends!

Relevant Scripture and Tradition
The Bible is rich with references that affirm God’s care for all of creation. A Blessing of the Animals service often draws upon these passages to remind us of our sacred responsibility.

• Genesis 1:24-25: "And God said, 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.' And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good." 1This passage reminds us that animals are part of God's original, perfect creation, and they were, and are, "good."
  
  
• Psalm 104:24-25: "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great2." This psalm is a hymn of praise for God's creation in all its magnificent diversity, from the great sea creatures to the tiny insects.
  
  
• Proverbs 12:10: "The righteous know the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." This simple but powerful verse calls us to practice justice and mercy towards the creatures in our care, a fundamental part of a righteous life.

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