Dogs, cats, and even hermit crabs gathered outside St. Joseph Catholic School last week.

In honor of the Feast Day of St. Thomas of Assisi, Fr. Rick Tomasone conducted a blessing of the animals at the end of the school day.

There were dozens of dogs, a handful of cats — some in carriers and others in arms, and one container of hermit crabs.

“We choose to bless pets on the Feast of St. Thomas of Assisi because he had such a love of animals,” Tomasone said.

“Whenever we name something, we bear more responsibility for them,” Tomasone said. “We respect that relationship we have with animals, especially our pets, and ask God’s blessing upon them.”

Tomasone sprinkled holy water as he moved throughout the assembled animals.