AUBURN — A Blessing of the Animals will take place Sunday, Oct. 16, during worship service at First Universalist Church of Auburn, 169 Pleasant St. 

This marks the second year this ceremony will be held at the church.

“The service held such meaning for us, truly putting our Unitarian Universalist principle of ‘respect for the interdependent web of all life’ into action,” said Dana Rickman of  the church’s animal ministry.

“The seventh principle of Unitarian Universalism is, ‘Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.’ This blessing of the animals, then, is a reflection of our commitment to honor the sacredness of all life,” said the Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida.

Companion animals who are comfortable in crowds and vaccinated are welcome. They should be secured either on a leash or in a carrier for their safety. Photos of companion animals may also be brought to the event. Attendees should arrive early to gather before the service.

Cohen Hayashida will bless each and every animal that attends. Attendees should enter at the Spring Street entrance.

FMI: 207-783-0461, www.auburnuu.org.