A bulldog reacts as a priest sprinkles holy water during a blessing of pets in the church parking lot. Such blessings are frequently offered on or around the observance of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron of animals. (CNS/Sam Lucero)

Many parishes and schools in the Diocese of Peoria have planned blessing of pet ceremonies on or around the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi in remembrance of his love for all creatures. (See related column, page 13.)

Here is a list of pet blessings made known to The Catholic Post. All dates are Wednesday, Oct. 4, unless otherwise noted. Those taking part are asked to bring their pets on a leash or in a carrier.

To add a blessing in your area to this list, email tdermody@cdop.org.

• BLOOMINGTON — Sunday, Oct. 8, 2 to 4 p.m., St. Patrick Church of Merna
• CHAMPAIGN — 3:15 p.m., St. Matthew Church and School
• DANVILLE — 8:45 a.m., Schlarman Academy South Campus parking lot, 1307 N. Walnut. “No snakes, please.”
• GALESBURG — Friday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m., Corpus Christi Church
• GENESEO — 3:15 p.m., Mahoney Shelter at St. Malachy Church, for school and CCD families
• LASALLE — 2:30 p.m., Trinity Catholic Academy parking lot
• MACOMB — 2:45 p.m., St. Francis Garden, St. Paul School
• OTTAWA — 3 p.m., OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center gazebo near the OSF Rehabilitation Center parking lot
• PEORIA — 2:45 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul School playground
• PEORIA HEIGHTS — 8:45 a.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Church and School
• ROCK ISLAND — 2:30 p.m., in the Farrell Hall parking lot at St. Pius X Parish
• STREATOR — 1 p.m., OSF Center for Health overflow parking lot off Tyler Street