CHURCH IN YANTIC TO BLESS ANIMALS AT SUNDAY SERVICE

Norwich — The public is invited to bring pets to the annual Blessing of the Animals in the sanctuary of Grace Episcopal Church, 4 Chapel Hill Road in Yantic, on Sunday.

The blessing of animals will take place at 9:30 a.m., during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning. The service will be slightly shorter than usual for the convenience of the animals.

“I’ve never had a problem with animals in church,” said the Rev. Gary Sturni, who will officiate at the service.

The event coincides with the annual Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Animals in attendance at the service should be appropriately leashed or caged. Those whose pets cannot attend may bring a toy or other article belonging to the animal.

Pope Gregory IX canonized Francis on July 16, 1228. Along with Saint Catherine of Siena, he was designated patron saint of Italy. He later became associated with patronage of animals and the natural environment.

Grace Church in Yantic was founded in 1851 and is part of the Episcopal diocese in Connecticut. The church facilities are handicapped accessible.

For additional information about Grace Episcopal Church or the Blessing of the Animals, call (860) 887-2082 or visit gracechurchyantic.org. for the “replacement of the bridge with a precast box culvert and precast wingwalls,” according to the news release. The project will begin with the relocation of existing utilities and the reconstruction of the east and west approaches to the bridge. It will include drainage and roadway improvements, as well as improvements to signalization at the intersection of Route 1 and Center Road.

The project was awarded to LaRosa Earth Group LLC for $1,079,219.40. educational materials that children can take home.

The open house also will feature a raffle with prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses. Firefighters said the raffle will begin around 1 p.m. Tickets are $1 per ticket or $10 for 12.

The open house is scheduled to kick off at the 10 Ward Ave. station at 11 a.m. and will last until 2 p.m. It’s going to happen rain or shine. William Firgelewski, 70, of