When she was in seminary, Barbara Seras used her cat as her "spiritual barometer." He helped her take stock of her emotions and reminded her to appreciate the moment. "Pets teach us to be more gentle," said the priest-in-charge of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Manheim. "They teach us to take our time, to slow down."

Seras believes so much in the positive power of pets that she has organized the second annual Francis Fest, a blessing of the animals to be held at the church, 90 S. Charlotte St., on Sunday, Oct. 9. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on the church lawn at the corner of Charlotte and Ferdinand streets.

"Dogs, cats and other pets are all welcome," Seras noted. "People can also bring pictures of their pets if they don't want to bring the animal with them." Children may bring stuffed animals to receive a blessing as well, and participants may also receive a blessing for pets who have passed away.

"The blessing of the animals is about saying thanks to God for creation," Seras noted. "Animals bring so much joy into our life."

Although this is only the second time Seras will hold the event in Manheim, she's presided over animal blessings for years at other churches. "Lots of churches do a blessing, but I came up with the name 'Francis Fest,' because it's held near St. Francis Day in early October," she said, referring to the patron saint of animals. Over the years, she's blessed everything from snakes to hamsters, goldfish, police horses and K9s.

All animals attending Francis Fest must be leashed or in a carrier. The program will include two songs, "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," along with prayers. It will conclude with a small treat. "We will give out dog treats and cat treats, and we'll have animal crackers for the humans," Seras said.

Donations will be accepted at the event for Pet Pantry of Lancaster County. Suggested items for donation include dry or canned food, toys, kitty litter and gift cards. For more information on Francis Fest, call the church office at 717-665-6584.