Father Kien Kieu of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will offer prayers for pets and their families during the Blessing of the Animals ceremony Saturday, Oct. 4.The outdoor service, held in the church’s courtyard, welcomes animals of all kinds - from dogs and cats to birds, reptiles and livestock - to receive a blessing. Parishioners and community members are encouraged to bring their pets for the event, which celebrates the bond between people and the creatures they care for.The last gathering in 2023 drew a lively mix of participants, including puppies, a rooster, a pony, quail, a pair of turtles and even a stuffed toy rattlesnake, all of which Father Kieu blessed with prayer and holy water. Owners smiled proudly as their companions - big and small - took part in the ritual.The
