“Worship with us in September!”
Bishop Lillibridge, preaching

“Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching “Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching “Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching

“Worship with us in September!”
Bishop Lillibridge, preaching

“Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching “Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching “Worship with us in September!” Bishop Lillibridge, preaching
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    • HOME
    • CONTACT
    • JAZZ CONCERT
    • ANIMAL BLESSING
    • GUILD BENEFITS & ALTAR
    • MUSIC
    • CLERGY
    • LIFE EVENTS
    • ABOUT US
    • VOLUNTEERING & SERVICE
    • MARMION HOUSE RECTORY
    • HISTORY
    • NEWS & PHOTO GALLERY
    • SHOP
  • HOME
  • CONTACT
  • JAZZ CONCERT
  • ANIMAL BLESSING
  • GUILD BENEFITS & ALTAR
  • MUSIC
  • CLERGY
  • LIFE EVENTS
  • ABOUT US
  • VOLUNTEERING & SERVICE
  • MARMION HOUSE RECTORY
  • HISTORY
  • NEWS & PHOTO GALLERY
  • SHOP

THE 2023 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS WILL BE ON OCTOBER 1 at 8am & 10am

about the BLESSING

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

The Right Rev. Gary Lillibridge at the outside altar

PLAN TO ATTEND THIS WIDELY-ACCLAIMED EVENT IN COASTAL YORK COUNTY, MAINE

All are welcome! More than 100 people gather outside with their pets for a sprinkling of holy water and prayers, administered by Bishop Gary Lillibridge who celebrates from the outside altar. All can partake of Holy Communion at this service. Some parishioners bring pictures of their pets or ashes in an urn. Let's hear the meows, barks, and chirps, as they talk with the voice and Love of our God and Creator!


For more information, contact Michael Smyser, chairperson, at 561.329.4300 or mikecalifguy@comcast.net.

All over the world, Anglicans bless their animals in honor of St. Francis

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

The official Liturgy in Blessing the Animals is widely known throughout the world for its emphasizing that animals, especially our pets, are part of God’s creation and His divine Love for life.


St. Francis of Assisi would go into the forest and pray and talk to the animals. It changed our relationship with our pets, who become and share a part of us and our lives.

Witness for Jesus Christ by CARING, SHARING, AND LOVING EACH OTHER

St. Peter's by the Sea celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi in October

Witness for Jesus Christ by CARING, SHARING, AND LOVING EACH OTHER

WITNESSING FOR JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, BY OUR CARING, SHARING, AND LOVING EACH OTHER


God is all about Love. His Love for us in Jesus Christ His Son, our Savior and Redeemer. His Love for his creation, His animals, and those we hold dear to our hearts and minds: Our pets.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2022

Bringing all the pets a real joy

Bringing all the pets a real joy

dog with family

Bringing all the pets a real joy

Bringing all the pets a real joy

Bringing all the pets a real joy

Bringing all the pets a real joy

dog receiving blessing
dog receiving blessing
dog receiving blessing
dog with family and The Right Rev. Gary Lillibridge,

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2021

Even frogs get blessings here!

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

Even frogs get blessings here!

even frogs receive a blessing

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

Even frogs get blessings here!

crowd outside around the altar

122 People brought their 75 pets to St. Peter's in 2021 for a sprinkling of holy water and prayers offered to God our Creator for each of them by name!

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

cat waiting for blessing

A kitty is wondering why she’s getting all the attention!

The Right Rev. Gary Lillibridge speaking with a church member
dog receiving blessing
dog receives blessing

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2020

dog being blessed outside
The Right Rev. Gary Lillibridge at the outside altar
altar set up outside the front door of the church
dog being blessed outside
very large crowd attending the outside blessing

In 2020, 103 pets enjoyed the holy event outside at the church.

dogs being blessed outside

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2019

chicken being blessed
dog being blessed
dog being blessed
dog being blessed
many dogs on leashes in the aisle of the church
dog being blessed

St. Peter's by the Sea Episcopal / 535 Shore Road, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902 / 207.361.2030

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