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Church hosts Blessing of the Animals

By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor



WILBRAHAM Wilbraham United Church (WUC) will offer its second annual Blessing of the Animals service on the afternoon of Oct. 16.

The blessing will take place from 3-4 p.m. on the front lawn of the church at 500 Main St.

Caged and leashed animals, and representative photos of pets are welcome. Following a short service led by Dr. Joni M. Paterson, authorized minister for the United Church of Christ and director of Awakening Heart, which is located at WUC, each animal will receive an individual laying on of hands and a blessing.

In addition to the service, an area offering information about the Hersman Heart Fund, which provides funding for the medical treatment of homeless animals, demonstrations of pet reiki by Colleen Mancusco of Hampden, cat adoptions by Ludlow Cat Pack Rescue, exhibits on animals who have lost their lives in the course of rescuing humans, a Pet Memorial Tree, refreshments, and more will round out the afternoon's activities.

The event is free and open to the public, but a free will offering will be collected to benefit Noah's Wish, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and sheltering animals during disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita which just devastated the Gulf states.