The fourth annual mass will take place at St Christopher's Church at Rutherford, with all pets great and small welcome to attend.

And when they say all pets, they mean it.

A baby goat, a blue tongue lizard, a cockatoo named Colin and a goldfish have all been blessed in previous mass events.

A donkey from the Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary is even set to attend this year.

Priest in Charge Mother Moira said the event was a celebration of the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

She said it was a chance to recognise the unconditional love people share with their furry, feathered, slimy and scaly friends.

“Everyone loves their pets,” she said.

“We want to honour the place pets have in our lives and give them God’s blessing.”

The event also raises money for a local animal welfare organisation through donations and a raffle. Previous beneficiaries have been the RSPCA and Dog Rescue Newcastle with the Urban Cat Alliance named as this year’s recipient.

“We want to highlight to the work of great local organisations,” Mother Moira said.

But along with the light-hearted enjoyment of pets, the event will also have a more serious side, touching on the mistreatment of animals.

“The thrust of the sermon will be about animal welfare, how important it is to be compassionate and respectful of all creatures,” Mother Moira said.

Mother Moira will speak about live transport and factory farming, in a bid to encourage people to think about the terrible way some animals are treated.

“We’re not advocating for everyone to become vegetarian or vegan,” she said.

"We just want people to be mindful of where they source their food.”

The day will also include morning tea.

The Blessing of the Pets Mass will take place at St Christopher’s on the corner of Verge and Gillies Streets, Rutherford from 10am-11.30am. 

Contact Margaret Graham on 0438 371700 for more information.