All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester applied for a $500 Diocesan Vitality Grant for the purpose of community partnership around St. Francis Blessing of the Animals.
On Saturday October 14th, from 10:00-1:00, they held a pet blessing in the green space around their church and partnered with the local PAWS program (Partners for Animal Welfare Society). Their team of volunteers and doctors brought over 160 rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, and they used every dose in their cooler. With the Vitality Grant All Saints purchased 50 small bags of dog food, 30 bags of cat food, toys, treats, leashes, and collars for 50 dogs and cats. They also partnered with a local food truck who offered delicious Mexican food on a chilly and windy day!
The Rev. Janie Koch, Vicar of All Saints' shared her appreciation for the grant, "Thank you so much for offering these grants to the Oklahoma parishes; the ability to bring ministry ideas forward into our communities offers such energy and good will in our communities."
Interested in applying for a vitality grant? Visit epiok.org/grants for more info! Grants for the 2023 season will close on Nov. 30th and reopen on Feb. 1st of 2024.