Blessing of the Animals

Sunday 18 October 2026, 10am
Brougham Gardens / Tantutitingga (Park 29), North Adelaide,
across the road from Brougham Place Uniting Church.

All are Welcome!!

Each year we gather at the beautiful park across the road to give thanks for the animals who share our lives and our world. Whether you’re a regular at church or have never been, you and your animals are warmly welcome.

What to expect

A relaxed, outdoor service lasting just under an hour, with music, readings, a few stories and prayers for all creation. Dr Deidre Palmer will share a short message, and we’ll hear from Mat Monti, President of the Adelaide Park Lands Association, about caring for the parks we love. At the end, everyone is invited to bring their animal forward for an individual blessing while others enjoy free barista coffee from the Roving Café (donations welcome).

Bringing your animal

• Dogs on leads, and smaller pets in carriers or cages, please.
• Please bring water for your animal. It may be a warm morning. And please bring clean-up bags.
• No pet? Bring a photo, or come along to give thanks for the creatures around us. Animals who have died are remembered and blessed too.

Good to know

• Bring a hat and sunscreen, drinking water and a folding chair or picnic rug if you’d like one. Some chairs will be available.
• The Shannons Adelaide Rally is on O’Connell Street that morning, so allow extra time for parking.
• Children are very welcome, and there’s something for them in the service.
• Can’t make it? The service will be livestreamed. Watch live or catch up later on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@johndowlin. You’re welcome to have your animal beside you at home.

Questions?

Contact the church office: office@bpuc.org or (08) 8267 2657.

Tantutitingga is the Kaurna name for this park and means “native lilac place”.
We gather with respect for the Kaurna people, the traditional carers of this land.

With thanks to Adelaide City Council for providing us access to this beautiful space.