Aldo is petted by owner Maria Blick during a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday at St. Rita in the Desert church.

More Photos (2):

Other articles by Jeffry Scott:

Gala helps blind, deaf children 'Rumors' of a Sahuarita play Center hosts al fresco arts fest Spookfest a frightening, family affair Great Depression bore great works Fans find 'the show' in first-ever bomber races Vendors bring the arts fashion show raises $90K mirth and merriment in the mountains Chamber season opens strong

General
SMALL WORLD
TEACHERS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR General
GROUNDS CONTROL
LANDCAPE FOREMAN & LABORERS Health Care
Godwin Corp
Physician Assistant Education
Rio Salado College
Online Instructors Dental
CANYON DENTAL CARE
HYGEINE & DENTAL ASSIATANT Services
Post Office Retail
TOTAL WINE & MORE
WINE TEAM MEMBERS, CASHIER & STOCK MEMEBERS

Peering from owner Julia Kaiser's shoulder, Einstein appeared less interested in the ritual of the Mass than in the other dogs.

On Saturday, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, Einstein, a pug, and other pets were brought to St. Rita in the Desert Catholic Church, 13260 E. Colossal Cave Road. They were there for a Blessing of the Animals, a ritual performed at the Vail church for at least the last decade, said Jeanne Lichtas, a church spokeswoman.

Mostly dogs, several cats, one goat and one tortoise were brought to be blessed. For the Rev. John Allt, who has been at the parish three months, it was his first animal blessing at St. Rita's.

"My apologies," he said after performing the Holy Eucharist. "It's my first time doing this and I didn't bring any dog biscuits.

"Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa."

Next year, he promised biscuits.