Photo by Brett Campbell Parishioners gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Monday evening for a blessing of pets. In the absence of parish priest Fr. Mano Thanugundla — who was called away on an urgent matter — The Daily Leader’s news editor Brett Campbell, who is an ordained minister, offered a prayer for the pets and their families.

Photo by Donna Campbell Parishioners gathered at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Monday evening for a blessing of pets. In the absence of parish priest Fr. Mano Thanugundla — who was called away on an urgent matter — The Daily Leader’s news editor Brett Campbell, who is an ordained minister, offered a prayer for the pets and their families.