Paws, Prayers, and Joyful Praise: Recapping the Blessing of the Animals

Frist Presbyterian Church of Naples • October 6, 2026

Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi Under Sunny Skies

Last weekend, our outdoor campus buzzed with happy barks and joyful fellowship at our annual Blessing of the Animals. Gathering in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi—the patron saint of animals and ecology—our congregation came together to give thanks for the creatures that bring so much unconditional love, comfort, and vitality into our everyday lives.

From lifelong church members to new faces from across Naples, the outdoor service offered an uplifting reminder of God’s goodness throughout creation.

An Outdoor Service Filled with Music and Fellowship

Under the open sky, our parking lot became an open-air sanctuary with rows of seating and outdoor accompaniment. Live piano music filled the morning air, and a hospitality table was fully prepped with refreshments for the humans and plenty of biscuits and Milk-Bones for the four-legged guests.

Rev. Rex Childs led the morning liturgy from the pulpit, sharing words of thanksgiving and reminding us that each pet entrusted to our care reflects a portion of God's abundant grace.

Pets, Photos, and Cherished Plush Companions

The morning welcomed companions in every shape and size:

Individual Prayers for Furry Friends: Rev. Rex Childs knelt alongside each row, offering hands-on blessings and individual prayers for each pet's health, peace, and protection, by name. From gentle senior yellow labs and eager golden retrievers to lap-sized companions, hounds, and rescue mixes, every dog received an attentive moment of prayer.
A Special Pulpit Stand-In: Because the Childs household doesn’t currently have a pet at home (yet), Rev. Rex brought a special stand-in to ensure his family participated: his daughter Mary’s favorite stuffed black bear. Perched on the pulpit throughout the service, the little bear stood proudly in for Mary and the family.
Remembering Companions at Home and in Memory: For pets who couldn’t attend in person or beloved companions who have passed on, families brought photos to be blessed, honoring the lasting mark those animals left on their families’ hearts.

Looking Forward to Next Year

Thank you to Rev. Rex Childs and the church staff for making this outdoor service run smoothly and warmly, and to everyone who brought their pets and shared the morning with us. We are already looking forward to seeing even more furry faces, wagging tails, and community friends next autumn.