Barking at the church choir was all in good spirit at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s annual pet blessing.

Church members, family and friends brought in more than 40 cats and dogs on Sunday, Oct. 3, for the Revs. Bob Rhoads and Maggie Bourne-Raiswell to bless.

Animals were prayed over and anointed with holy water.

Peninsula Friends of Animals and the Welfare for Animals Guild were honored with $100 each from the church’s outreach budget.

Church member Candy Olmer said this was the first time the church reached out to animal nonprofits like this.

Rhoads said pet blessings are not uncommon and that about half of Episcopalian churches bless pets in services.

He told the congregation it is one of his favorite Sundays.