Religion doesn't have to be so rrrrrrrrrrrrrough to rrrrrrrrelate to. The Calvary Episcopal Church  in Danvers, Massachusetts, is now offering "church for the entire family ... Mom, Dad, the kids and even Fluffy!" Calvary is starting up an innovative community outreach called "Perfect Paws Pet Ministry," aimed at all faiths, all creatures, and all species.

Beginning May 6, 2010, the church will be holding a special pet service on the third Sunday of every month, from 5 to 5:30 pm, open to both human companions and their well-mannered, leashed pets. The service will be held in Parish Hall. According to its website announcement, Calvary's Perfect Paws Pet Ministry recognizes the value of all creatures, "particularly those that give us love and loyalty and who stand by us no matter what."

The Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, Rector of Calvary, says that Calvary’s pet ministry is the first in the region, although there are a few other churches in the U.S. that offer similar services. “There’s a growing movement in the Episcopal church to appreciate, care for, and bless animals,” Rev. Thea says. “It’s a new thread within our tradition that goes hand-in-hand with the stewardship of our environment. An initiative at our General Convention last summer dealt with how to address the real grief of parishioners in the loss of their animal friends,” she explains. “I hope Calvary’s new pet ministry will offer people who come-- who don’t usually think of church as a place to experience acceptance and joy and support--something new in their lives.”

A complete worship service, with Holy Communion, will be offered for those who wish to partake. Plus, for those who would appreciate it, a hands-on blessing is bestowed on people and their pets, who will also receive dog cookies as part of the service. Individuals will be able to submit special Paper Prayers for animals of all kinds who are unable to be there, because of temperament, illness, or having passed away.

“God is trying to reach us in so many ways in our lives, and one of those ways, a really powerful way for many people, is their relationship with their pet,” says Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas. "Calvary is a church where we share a common commitment to taking care of all of God's creatures."

Calvary Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Holten and Cherry Streets in Danvers.

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