Want your pet blessed by a priest? Take them to these Charlotte places of worship
Pet owners in Charlotte will soon have the opportunity to strengthen the bond between them and their four-legged friends by having them blessed at a local church.
The Diocese of Charlotte hosts pet blessing events, where pet owners can bring their animals to participating churches and sprinkle them with holy water.
But why should pets be blessed? Franciscan Media, a website dedicated to the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Catholic saint of animals and ecology, puts it like this:
“The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship because the communication between fellow creatures is at its most basic. Eye to eye are two creatures of love. No wonder people enjoy taking their animal companions to church for a blessing. Church is the place where the bond of creation is celebrated.”
The Feast of St. Francis Assisi to celebrate the patron saint is on Oct. 4, but pet blessings last from Sept. 30-Oct. 7. Here’s a list of pet blessing events in and around Charlotte:
St. Peter Church, 507 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202: Sept. 30 at 10 a.m., in the church garden.
St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211: Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at Marian Grotto.
St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28277: Oct. 7 at noon, in the garden at the corner of Rea Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Rd, Charlotte, NC 28227: Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., in the courtyard.
St. Vincent de Paul, 6828 Old Reid Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210: Oct. 7 at 10 a.m.
St. Mark Church, 14740 Stumptown Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078: Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m., outdoors by the fountain.
If you don’t see your church listed, the Diocese of Charlotte recommends checking with your local parish for details about the event.
This story was originally published September 28, 2023 at 4:50 PM.
