Calling all dogs, cats, gerbils, and other pets. St. Francis Day is October 3, so it’s time for the annual blessing of the animals. Call a local zoo and see if they can bring some exotic animals to the blessing (Aardvarks need blessings too!). Invite parishioners to bring their pets and have a nice ceremony in the church yard or even inside the church itself if your community is open to it. (Rule to follow: Everyone needs to clean up after their own pet if there are any accidents.)