Blessing of the animals

Eight-year-old Caleb Perkowski came to church Sunday with his cat and his mom Lisa. “I brought my cat to get blessed today,” said Caleb. The children were busy petting Caleb’s cat, which is being held by his mom Lisa after Pastor Patt Kauffman, right, blessed Caleb’s pet. Caleb stands to the left of the group looking on. The Feast Of St. Francis’ Blessing Of The Animals took place at St. Peter’s Church on West Main Street in Port Jervis, N.Y. Pastor Kauffman blessed the pets of children who came with their parents for the 9:30 am service. Pastor Kauffman said he started an earlier half-hour service in September. “I made this earlier service only one half hour to keep the attention of the younger children.” The early morning attendance was light but spirits were very high as the congregation sang and prayed together. Minister of Music Kathy Brink played the organ and has been doing this for 14 years at St. Peter’s.