Thank you to everyone who participated in Saint Philip’s Third Sunday Drive—an effort by Saint Philip’s animal ministry to help owners and pets stay together.

80 pounds of dog food were collected, as well as 1 toy! A very spirited “thank you” to everyone who helped spread the love.

The next drive will take place next month on the third Sunday, January 21.

If you are interested in helping prepare the individual bags for the food pantry, please email Mtr Mary at mary.trainor@stphilipstucson.org.

What is Saint Philip’s Animal Ministry?
From ideas, conversations, and interest from a variety of parishioners, a new animal ministry (Saint Hildegard’s Guild) emerged as part of Saint Philip’s Creation Care ministry. It offers assistance in two main areas:

Pet food collection
Providing pet food helps keep pets and people together. It also serves as a model for younger parishioners about how we care for animals.
Studies have revealed that when owners have to choose between buying food for themselves or their pets, owners will often go hungry to feed their companions. Another sad fact is that owners experiencing financial hardship sometimes have to surrender their animals because they cannot afford the cost of care.
Pet chaplain services-offering pastoral care during stressful times
Volunteers are available to offer blessings and prayers for animals and their families in a variety of situations: when animals have to be euthanized, have surgery, are ill, or lost. Blessings and prayers can also be offered to welcome a new pet into a home.

If you would like to become involved or would like to schedule a blessing for your pet, please email Mtr Mary at mary.trainor@stphilipstucson.org.

Thank you!