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| Animals of all sizes were invited to be blessed. Some students even brought photos to stand in for their pets during the blessing ceremony. |
ASHTON — It was a blustery day for bringing the class outside, but everyone was wearing coats — including the animals.
The students at St. Peter School in Ashton celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a pet blessing after returning from a retreat October 1.
This year’s retreat, the second the school has held for the students, was offered at Ochsner Park in Baraboo. The students visited the zoo and learned about St. Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is October 4.
After arriving back at school, the students were able to have their pets and animals blessed by Fr. Eugene “Bud” Hollfelder, pastor at the parish. Some parents were able to bring the animals — from dogs and cats to rabbits and a heifer — to the school to be blessed. Other students brought pictures of their pets.
The topics for the retreats are on a three-year cycle, said Maria Patt, principal. Last year the students learned about Mary on their retreat. This year, they learned about the patron saint of animals and the environment.
“I feel St. Francis and his love of animals is something kids can grasp hold of, because they understand — they have pets that they love, too,” Patt said.