Blessing of the Pets on September 29

On September 29, after the Nuns' Fun Run, St. James will celebrate its annual "Blessing of the Pets" at 9:30am on the lawn in front of the church. Take this opportunity to have your animal companion, or companions, blessed for the coming year so that they may have God's love and protection. Pets have a long history at St. James, including Shadow, our IHM Sisters' pet dog; Coco, who proceeded Shadow's residency at the Convent, and who we sadly had to say goodbye to this year; Jamie, Father Tran's pet dog, who we said goodbye to in 2017 as Father Tran left us for another assignment; and Jock, Msgr. Paul V. Heller's beloved dog and official "guardian" of the Rectory from 1966 to 1981. If you should have any questions about the "Blessing of the Pets" contact the rectory at 703-532-8115.  

"Hear our humble prayer, O God,for our friends the animals, your creatures. We pray especially for all that are suffering in any way:for the overworked and underfed, the hunted, lost, or hungry;for all in captivity or ill-treated,and for those that must be put to death. For those who deal with them,we ask a gentle heart of compassion,gentle hands, and kindly words. Make us all true friends to animalsand worthy followers of our merciful Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen." From United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Prayers to Care for Creation.