A bearded dragon, a donkey, cackling cockatoos and a pack of pooches.
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They're not your normal church-goers, but Sunday’s gathering at Rutherford’s St Christopher’s Church wasn’t your normal mass either.
It’s the fourth year that the Anglican Parish of Rutherford Telarah has conducted a pet blessing, with about 50 onlookers gathering for Sunday’s ceremony.
This year’s event featured a bearded dragon for the first time, with the reptile accompanied by a donkey, birds, and a number of dogs.
“It’s always a very happy Sunday,” said Priest in Charge, Mother Moira.
She said there was a simple reason for the popularity of the annual mass.
“Everyone loves their pets and we all love our companion animals,” she said.
“They (owners) just want God’s blessing on their much cared for pets.”
The mass also touches on the topic of animal mistreatment in the food production and entertainment industries, with Mother Moira urging revelers to think if their food comes from ethical sources.
