Valle Catholic held a pet blessing on October 4th, feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis devoted his life to the poor and had a special connection to animals.
Parents and grandparents were invited to bring family pets to the Valle Desert where Father Edward Nemeth, pastor of Ste. Genevieve Church, led a prayer and blessing.
Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
In conjunction with the Blessing of the Pets held yesterday at Valle Catholic for the Feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, Officer Barton from the Ste. Genevieve Sheriff’s Office came to visit the Valle First Graders today.
He collected the items for the animal shelter that the Valle students donated. He also talked to the students about his job and how even six year olds can take care of God’s creatures. We look forward to Barton’s visits every year and love how he speaks from his heart about his job or ‘calling’ from God to keep animals safe.
May God Bless you Officer Barton and all of those who work daily to keep us and animals safe.
*If you are interested in adopting a pet or donating to the shelter, please contact office Barton at the Sheriff’s Department. He wants all of you to know you are welcome to visit the shelter, just call to set up an appointment with him.
