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Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’ and other parish pet blessings

News of the Diocese

October 6, 2021

Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings
Humans, pets drawn to ‘@7 on 17th’  and other parish pet blessings

All creatures great and small … the Lord God made them all.

And many of them made their way with their owners to parishes throughout the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland for pet blessings on or near Oct. 4, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and ecology. He also founded the Franciscan Order, so it seemed appropriate that a Franciscan friar presided at one pet blessing event.

St. Peter Parish at East 17th Street and Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland hosted its pet blessing on Oct. 4. It was the first “@7 on 17th” event, a new ministry experience for young Catholics in Cleveland’s downtown neighborhoods. Mike Hayes, director of young adult ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, worked with Father Damian Ference, vicar for evangelization, and Franciscan Father Phil Bernier, St. Peter’s administrator, to arrange the event.

More than a dozen pets – mostly dogs – turned out for a blessing, including Hayes’ Chihuahua, Haze.

Father Ference used sidewalk chalk to draw signs guiding participants to the church courtyard where the blessing took place on a mild, early fall evening. Father Bernier read a Scripture passage about how God created living creatures of every kind and said they would be called by the names Adam gave them.

He also talked about the important role that animals play, especially domestic animals who are companions for humans and often provide us with unconditional love.

After giving a general blessing, Father Bernier invited those who wanted an individual blessing for their pets to come forward. Each owner shared the pet’s name a little information about their four-footed family member. Some asked for healing for their pets who were struggling with an illness or other affliction.

Father Bernier also invited the visitors to stop in to view the historic church and to enjoy fall-themed refreshments. The pets weren’t forgotten, as there were bowls of dog and cat treats available. Also, donations were accepted for PAWS Ohio, an animal rescue organization.

St. Peter’s was founded in 1853, when Cleveland was a bustling, growing metropolis. Construction on the church started in 1857. The parish serves as hub for Catholic ministry downtown, including for nearby Cleveland State University.

Mass is offered at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sundays. Other events include Mass at 12:15 p.m. Mondays in the church chapel; a CSU Newman Night presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays; and adoration and reconciliation at 7 p.m. Thursdays in the church. The Newman programs and Bible study take place in the Parish House, 1533 E. 17th St., which is attached to the church. Service projects are scheduled for Saturday mornings.

In addition to the downtown pet blessing, similar events took place throughout the diocese. Queen of Heaven Parish in Uniontown, St. Bridget of Kildare Parish in Parma, St, Joseph Parish in Cuyahoga Falls, St. Thomas More Parish in Brooklyn and Holy Trinity Parish in Avon were among the parishes that shared pet blessing photos. Some parishes had a more diverse pet population, including turtles, guinea pigs and snakes in addition to dogs and cats, for their pet blessing events. Some of their photos are included in the gallery at the top of this story.

Click here to learn more about @7 on 17th.

For more information on young adult ministry in the diocese, contact Hayes at mhayes@dioceseofcleveland.org or call 646-671-3671.

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