Following St. Francis
Our family’s first experience with an animal blessing occurred at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in the red brick building in Chapin fondly known as the “rent-a-church.” With very little land outside the building, the service took place amongst grave markers and dark clouds. The animals, however, were happily getting to know their furry neighbors. The sense of love between humans and their four-footed companions was strong. James Raitliff, the local veterinarian, spoke as did the vicar, the Reverend Jeff Batkin. Our family came home delighted that we had found a church that celebrated animals as St. Francis did.
Now, 43 years later, the physical surroundings have changed but the sense of love for animals is still strong.
St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church moved into its own building almost 40 years ago, with plenty of land. The yearly animal blessing, held on the Sunday closest to October 4, the feast day of St. Francis, is held in a lovely outdoor chapel. People bring their furry companions to receive a blessing, no church membership required.
The Reverend Doug Graul, Vicar at St. Francis, appreciates the connection that St. Francis celebrated. “St. Francis saw God in everything,” he said. “There is so much beauty in the relationship between people and their animals and I like to think we’re all better off when adults act more like animals and children – open and accepting.”
It’s a remarkably friendly annual gathering, full of wagging tails and sniffing noses. All animals are welcome, providing they are controlled. Past participants have included llamas, cats, birds, frogs (named the Croaker Brothers), and the occasional goldfish, horse, hamster, and stuffed bear. They listen quietly for the most part, welcoming their special blessing and enjoying the treats provided.
There have been mishaps, of course, including one memorable Sunday when a stranger brought her small dog who promptly lifted his leg on the vestments, mortifying his human, but nobody else. “I wouldn’t have minded that one bit,” Father Doug said, laughing.
Across the creek, just beyond the chapel, is the newest addition to the grounds. A Pet Cemetery with beautiful stonework that matches the chapel. There are eight animal companions buried there, with flat markers that help the onlooker appreciate the connection they had with their families. Lucy, for example, was adopted in 2020 and crossed the rainbow bridge in 2022. The inscription reads: “You were our favorite hero. And our hardest goodbye.” Nutmeg, a much-loved therapy dog, is there, as are Nip and Hook. They and others have highly personal markers reflecting the joy they gave and received from their humans.
“Why not use the beautiful resources and natural setting we have to honor our pets,” Fr. Doug said. “It’s a beautiful place where people can go to remember their loved ones.”
An inviting stone bench given by family and friends is inscribed in memory of Cynthia R. Dickerson, who loved her four-legged companions and along with her husband, John, gave a few of them (including Lucy), a home when they were quite elderly. “They won’t live very long,” she once said. “But we can make their lives more comfortable for the time they have left.”
Michael Copeland, Chair of the PETS Ministry, says the group was formed to explore opportunities to bring animals into the activities of the church when appropriate. “Members and friends of our church were invited to enjoy a nature walk along an area of the Palmetto Trail near Peak, led by USC geography professor John Kupfer,” he said. “Several participants brought their dogs who seemed to be as excited to enjoy the outdoors as much as their humans did.”
To help care for the living creatures, the church has opened its parking lot to the Care A Van provided by Pawmetto Lifeline for once-a-month vet visits welcoming families who want to receive low-cost medical care and inoculations for their dogs and cats. It’s held on the first Saturday of every month, from 11am-12pm at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church at 735 Old Lexington Hwy, in Chapin.
““Care A Van is so important to our community in many ways. This program provides access to care for basic preventative services like vaccinations. It is an opportunity for our staff to educate the pet owners about responsible pet ownership and appropriate care.””
Continuing, she adds, “the program generates funds for us to rescue and adopt out homeless pets as well as help people who have pets that need medical services that cannot financially provide those services. We are so thankful to the people in our state who use this service. Not only are they taking good care of their beloved pets, but they are helping other pets in need. It’s a great example of St. Francis and heeding the call to serve and care for the innocent and vulnerable.”
““Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible... For it is in giving that we receive.
Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received–only what you have given.’ ”
