For the Beauty of the Earth, the opening hymn for Sunday's special outdoor Mass at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Green, proved to be not only a delightful blend of soprano, alto, baritone and bass voices from the audience.

A few other sounds a little barking, light meowing, chirping and a neigh or two in grateful praise served to heighten the already celebratory mood.

If you haven't guessed already, it was Take Your Pets to Church Day.

Or put another way, the annual ''Blessing of the Animals'' service in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.

The Rev. David R. Durkee was so devoted to this unique Mass that he said the menagerie of animals on leashes, in their owners' arms and in cages would be welcomed inside if it rained.

Fortunately, the weather or divine intervention permitted him a pass on that promise.

St. Francis of Assisi, Durkee reminded the people and their pets who blanketed the lawn, has ''universal appeal. He saw the presence of God in all creation. He called the sun his brother and the moon his sister.''

Durkee, who was accompanied by the Rev. Thomas P. Kowatch for the actual blessing activity, encouraged parishioners to continue to feed on their faith and to see God in everything, including their pets.

Durkee, in a bright green vestment and dark shades, had a captive audience in the children of Travis and Monica Lutz of Green: Tyler, 6; Justin, 5; and Sydney, 2. The family brought their 8-month-old Holland Lopp rabbit Daffodil to be blessed.

Why?

'' 'Cause!'' replied a thoughtful-and-sweet-faced Sydney.

Not far away, a 9-year-old schnauzer named Lily visited with senior citizens Wayne, a 17-year-old cockatiel; and Cheetah, a 22-year-old tortoise shell cat that was perched on the bird's cage.

Lily is owned by Marie Varrecchia, and Wayne and Cheetah by Dianne Darner, all of Green.

Ironically, animals you never would have guessed as churched were quiet and attentive during the message and when they were sprinkled with holy water.

It was as if they sensed it was for them and they should be on their best behavior. And they were.

Sully, a 2-year-old pug, was almost angelic, hovering near the double stroller of the sleeping 71/2-month-old twin sons Ray and Will of its owner, Stephanie Maynard of Green.

''I come to church every week,'' Maynard said. ''Lately, it's the babies who are getting all of the attention. We thought Sully needed some attention too.''

Even Hummer and Chocolate the two head-turning standard poodles owned by Don Skello, owner of the Pet Care Center on Arlington Road in Green were relatively laid back given all the attention they were getting.

Undoubtedly, you would have found them later parked in front of the TV set rooting for the Browns. What else would you expect of one dog whose coat is a rich shade of brown and the other a vibrant orange?

Dave Cubero of Green, his wife, Jonelle, and their daughter, Alyssa, were able to lay claim to bringing the two largest visitors to be blessed two quarter horses, Chip and Myck.

''It was important to me,'' Jonelle Cubero said. ''Father just blessed our house and our family. And we love them (the horses). They're just like family.''

So it was fitting for Durkee to use the words from ''Things You Can Learn from Your Dog'' as a teachable moment for humans:

''When your loved one comes home, run to greet him.

''Eat with gusto.

''When it's hot, drink lots of water.

''Take naps.

''Don't bite, just growl.

''Give unconditional love.

''Stay close to your loved one in times of distress.

''When you want something badly, dig for it!''

No argument there.