Ely Cathedral’s annual pet service and blessing will acknowledge the role animals play in supporting people in need, particularly those living with dementia.
This service at Ely Cathedral is always a very special occasion for pet owners, animal lovers and all those involved in animal welfare. This year there will be a focus on the important role animals can play for those living with dementia.
The service will also be supported by singers from All in Sound, an Ely-based, specialist choir that provides high quality music making opportunities for people in our local community with a focus on improved wellbeing and self-esteem. They will perform alongside Ely’s very own ‘Sing! Together’ choir for people living with dementia and their carers. Kathryn Rowland, Founder and Director of All In Sound, and ‘Sing! Together’ says “We are so delighted to be invited to sing at Ely Cathedral’s Animal Service, and have been practicing hard special songs for the occasion, and look forward to being joined by our friends from Sing! Choirs too.”
The guest preacher, Canon Jan Payne, is an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends. Although not a dog owner herself, Jan hopes to be supported by her ‘grand dog’, a very lively dachshund. “The Church cares about, and respects, all God’s creatures, great and small and Ely Cathedral is no exception, welcoming dogs with visitors and at services all year round. The Animal Service is one of the highlights for many staff, volunteers and other members of the Cathedral community as well as local residents. It is always a joyous occasion and a vital part of our Christian mission as we reach out to the local community and their pets”
As always, the Cathedral is looking forward to welcoming numerous animals including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, donkeys, alpacas and even chickens. This informal service and pet blessing will also acknowledge and celebrate the role of working animals and animal charities. All proceeds from the event will benefit local branches of animal welfare and support organisation including The Donkey Sanctuary, Pets As Therapy, Therapy Pets and the Blue Cross, all of whom will be represented.
Everyone is welcome at Ely Cathedral Animal Service which takes place on Sunday 24th September at 2.00pm.
Press release from Ely Cathedral
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