Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers, is proud to offer the first-in-the-region Perfect Paws Pet Ministry. The special worship service for canines and their people, which runs from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month, welcomes human companions and their well-mannered, leashed dogs to participate. All faiths are welcome ... in O’Neill Hall at Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers, across from Town Hall. A complete worship service, with Holy Communion, is offered for those who wish to partake, and for people who prefer, special blessings are bestowed on them and their pets, who will also receive dog cookies at the end of the service. Individuals are able to submit special Paper Prayers for animals of all kinds who are unable to attend, whether due to illness, temperament, or those who are deceased.  “Animals make us feel loved and appreciated in an unconditional way, a feeling we’ve lost, sometimes, in our human lives. It’s a rich and authentic experience of God’s love,” says Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, rector of Calvary, who will preside over the services. Calvary’s offering 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.” Go to Perfect Paws to find out more about our service. / Animals and the Bible. EVERY THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH ~ 5 to 5:30 P.M. Web design by The Marketing Collaborative  Copyright 2010, CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH,Danvers, MA. All rights reserved. Calvary Episcopal Church: Fostering love and respect for all life. All faiths welcome!