St. Francis of Assisi Parish will celebrate the feast of its patron saint with the annual Blessing of the Animals at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1. The ceremony, which is open to all, will be held on the lawn in front of the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Brant Beach.

“Bring your furry friends!” said St. Francis Communications Coordinator Amanda DeFusco. Each year, the church friars say a few words about people’s pets and then the animals are blessed.