The Episcopal School of Jacksonville's Beaches Campus and St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 8:15 a.m.

Students and families can bring a pet, a photo of a pet or a stuffed animal to be blessed by clergy from St. Paul's by-the-Sea, according to an announcement on the school's website by Ashley Davis. The outdoor ceremony takes place on the church lawn in Jacksonville Beach, and parents can use grade-level signs to gather before the service begins.

The tradition honors the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. In past years, clergy have blessed dogs, cats, bearded dragons, mice, lizards, fish, guinea pigs and stuffed animals, according to the school's Facebook page.

The school's next community event is the Boo Bash, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, at 3 p.m.