Las Vegas reverend holds pet blessing ceremony LAS VEGAS, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A reverend in Las Vegas held a special service to bless her congregation's pets. The Good Samaritan Lutheran Church held its fifth annual pet blessing Saturday in the church's outside courtyard, the Las Vegas Sun reported. The Rev. Collete Paul recited a number of animal-related prayers and Scripture readings for her congregation's pets. About 15 owners and their pets attended. Event coordinator Gretchen Papez said many churches hold pet blessings on Oct. 4 in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, but she moved the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church's ceremony to the winter when the Las Vegas' weather is more temperate. "There are just a lot of animal lovers, and they're all God's creatures," Papez said. Everyone needs a blessing, and for a lot, the pets are members of their family. So we wanted to have something for them too.