Animal Ministry
The Animal Committee is committed to assist our parish and the greater Whidbey Island community to recognize animals are also creations of God to be respected and treated as equals. We act to better the lives of all animals including them in our spiritual lives and our liturgy.
We need as in St. Basil’s prayer, “…realize that they live not for us alone, but for themselves and for thee, and that they too love the sweetness of life..."
For more than 15 years St. Augustine’s in the Woods has held a Blessing of the Animals event for Whidbey Island as part of our service to our community. As our sign in front of the door to the church affirms “You Are Welcome Here”. On October 4th, 2025 we hosted over 50 people and 28 pets for our celebration of the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s Feast Day.
We had animal agencies WAIF, Oasis, and Critters & Co. Pet Center and Rescue to provide information and animals to view for those present. This special day was for those who share their lives with animals, who seek compassion and justice for all who we experience in our world.
Afterwards we offered our Spreading of the Ashes service for those whose pets had died. We exceeded our record of ten interments (which stood for over a decade) by honoring eight dogs and five cats. The ringing of the bell in the columbarium preceded and closed our service.
This year we are limiting ashes to ½ cup per animal and we are asking those who wish to participate to RSVP.
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Blessing of the Animals
The 2026 Date for the Blessing of the Animals will be Sunday, October 4th, 3:00 pm.
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Condolence Cards
Pet condolence cards are sent to parishioners and members in the community at large
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Animal Expenses Assistance
We assist members of the Whidbey Island community with help paying their vet bills and other expenses.
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WAIF Food Donations
Donations are collected each Sunday and given to Waif for use there and to send home with adopted animals
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Pet Ashes Spreading
We provide an area which the community may use, with an appointment, to spread their pet’s ashes
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Pacific Rim Institute Presentation
St Augustine's-in-the-Woods Episcopal Church Animal Ministry sponsored Season of Creation Forum with Pacific Rim Institue for Environmental Stewardship (PRI) and Whidbey Audubon. This first part focuses on PRI's Murietta Mitschak's presentation regarding the recovery of Pacific NW prairies on Whidbey Island.
View the presentation by clicking this LINK
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Whidbey Audubon Society Presentation
Season of Creation runs from Sept 1 thru Oct4 (World Animal Day, St Francis' Feast Day). The Animal Ministry at St Augustine's-in-the-Woods hosted its first forum on 13 Sept 2026 with Muri (Pacific Rim Institute for Environmental Stewardship) & Joaquin (Whidbey Audubon) representing both the Flora & Fauna found on our island home.
View the presentation by clicking this LINK.
St. Francis
Photo compilation of St. Francis
The 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi is being commemorated with a special Franciscan Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV. This period celebrates the life and legacy of St. Francis, culminating 800 years after his passing in 1226. Celebrations of Francis’ life are being held throughout the world, culminating with the Feast of St. Francis and the annual Blessing of the Animals on October 4th.
St. Francis is widely honored for his belief that animals deserve love, respect, and care, famously calling them his brothers and sisters in his beautiful song The Canticle of the Creatures. To celebrate Francis’ life and his enduring message, the Animal Ministry has compiled a collection of images of St Francis of Assisi taken by members of the St Augustine’s congregation on their travels – statues, paintings, and inscriptions.
Interested?
Contact us for more information regarding Animal Ministries.