The St. Ann Center invites all creatures, large and small, and their owners.
Pet owners are invited to bring their pet, or an item representing the animal, to receive a special blessing. at 10 o’clock on Wednesday, October 4, on either campus of the St. Ann Center for Inter Generational Care. The blessing is a celebration of the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals.
The Rev. Carmelo Giuffre, pastor of Nativity of the Lord, St. Paul and St. Veronica parishes, will offer the blessing in the east parking lot of the center’s Stein campus, 2801 E. Morgan Ave; The Rev. Richard Shaw, who pastors the Bucyrus campus, will offer blessing in the campus’ intergenerational playground, 2450 W. North Ave.
“It is only fitting that we bless the animals who bless our lives in so many ways” said Rodican Rose Bonn, director of pastoral care at Campus Stein.
Pet owners who have difficulty bringing their pets can bring something that represents the pet, such as a photo, collar, or favorite toy.
Along with the blessing, adult patrons on each campus planned a pet-themed rummage sale, with pet treats they made and pet supplies that were donated. All proceeds will be used to subsidize field trips and other activities at the nonprofit center. .
The blessing of pets is a beloved community tradition in the Stein Campus neighborhood; the Bucyrus Campus joined for the first time last year.
For more information about the Stein Campus Blessing, call Rodican Rose Bonn at (414) 977-5075; for more information about the Bucyrus Campus Blessing, call Lori Grzybowski at (414) 977-5064.
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The St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care is a nonprofit organization with a world-renowned child care program that serves children, frail seniors, and adults with disabilities, all in the same home setting. The Bucyrus campus, opened in 2015, replicates the original St. Ann Center intergenerational campus, which has operated in south Milwaukee since 1999. Both campuses offer additional health and wellness services. This year marks the St. Ann Center’s 40th anniversary of adult day programs.