Pets in the Pews: Wapping Community Church to Hold 'Blessing of the Animals' Service

Cats, dogs and possibly even a cow will be joining the Wapping Community Church's congregation for its first ever 'blessing of the animals' service on May 26. 

Associate Minister Rev. Chris Davies, who will be leading the service with her dog Thomas Hooker by her side, said that she has wanted to include animals in a service for awhile now. She explained that the service will be an opportunity for participants to commemorate how important pets are in their lives.

She spoke about her inspiration for the service in a recent parish post about how the passing of her beloved cat Pollux affected her.

"It brought to light several issues for me," Davies wrote. "1.) How important our animal friends are in our lives, 2.) How there is so often not an opportunity to celebrate the pets that we have loved and lost, and 3.) How I hope that there is a kitty-heaven. Or a puppy heaven.  Or goat, or guinea pig, or rabbit, or whatever."

Socialized animals are invited to the 10 a.m. service, which will be held outside, weather permitting. Animals should be put on leashes or brought in crates, Davies said.

A number of people will be trained and ready to go through the crowd and bless the attending pets, she added.

Participants can also bring photos of deceased pets and attend the coffee and kibbles session after the blessing service to reminisce about the animals that have passed on.

Davies said that the service will be moved into the gym if the weather is bad.

For more information, contact the church at (860) 644-0833.