Blessed be they, large and small

Young Redeemer members Lindsey Heider and Caroline Devitt brought their dogs to the Church of the Redeemer in 2011 for the church’s annual Blessing of the Animals. Courtesy photo

The annual Blessing of the Animals will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m., in downtown Sarasota at the Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave., the church has announced.

The service will be held on the front lawn of the church (facing the Gulfstream cul-de-sac). Members of the public are warmly invited to bring dogs, cats, birds, fish or any other pet -— as long as the pet is safely leashed or caged, a church news release says.
Redeemer holds this public event each year in recognition of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order and patron saint of animals.  All are welcome.
The Church of the Redeemer is situated across from Bayfront Park. For more information, contact the parish office at 955-4263 or visit www.redeemersarasota.org.