St. Matthew’s Parish will hold its annual Blessing of the Animals after the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 2, on the front lawn by the old beech tree. Pets of all denominations and their owners are welcome to attend.

Pet-sitting, for those who would like to attend the service, will be provided by the St. Matthew’s youth group. Water and treats will be available before and after the ceremony. Please ensure your pet is in some type of carrier, cage, or on a suitable leash.

“The Blessing of the Animals is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi,” which is on Oct. 4, said Father Bergmann, interim rector of St. Matthew’s.

“Blessing our pets that day helps remind us of God’s love and care of creation and our responsibility as stewards of creation,” he added.

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church of Jamestown is one of the oldest and most active parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

St. Matthew’s parish news

St. Matthew’s parish has resumed its customary worship schedule of Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Church school classes are held during the 10 a.m. service. A child-care worker staffs the nursery at that same time so parents can may place their toddlers and younger children in the nursery during the service.

A Wednesday morning Bible study will commence on Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. Parishioners and nonparishioners are invited to attend these sessions. For more information, call the church secretary at 423-1762.

St. Matthew’s Day will be celebrated with the parish’s fifth annual golf scramble on Sept. 25, to be followed by a steak and swordfish fry.