Calvary Circle of Healing

Free and open to the public Calvary Church Perfect Paws Pet Ministry Offers Circle of Healing Pet Loss Bereavement Peer Support Group Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers, which offers the Perfect Paws Pet Ministry (PPPM) -- a ministry to celebrate the love and respect for all of God's creatures -- began offering a pet loss bereavement peer support group called The Circle of Healing, which meets the third Sunday of each month, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Church Parlor. The group, which functions as a drop-in service for anyone who is anticipating or has recently experienced the loss or a much loved animal friend, immediately precedes the Perfect Paws Pet Ministry worship service, which begins at 5 p.m., in O’Neill Hall. The worship service, with Holy Communion and homily, is offered by the Rev. Thea Keith-Lucas, rector of Calvary, and is open to all faiths. Humans and their animal companions -- leashed dogs and all crated household pets -- are welcome to attend. The grief that comes with the loss of an animal companion, whose life we share so completely, is normal and expected. In some cases, the impact of loss and the resulting grief can be equal to or sometimes greater than the loss of a human friend or relative. The bond between an animal friend and its human is often deeply intimate, pure and undemanding -- devoid of the complications that can accompany human relationships. Animal companions share every aspect of life with their humans in a simplicity that humans in our lives generally do not. Although each person's grief is as unique as his or her relationship is with a beloved animal, there are stages of grief that humans go through when a pet dies: shock and disbelief, anger, alienation, distancing, denial, guilt, depression, and ultimately, acceptance and resolution. Not everyone experiences them all, or in the same order, yet, grief for a deceased animal friend can come in waves and be powerful and overwhelming. Calvary Church's Circle of Healing Pet Loss Peer Support Group strives to empathetically minister to people who struggle with recent pet loss, to help them find support and validation for their grief, as well as solace, peace, renewal and hope. At Circle of Healing, recent grievers, or those anticipating a loss, discover that are not alone. Our support group offers a safe, comforting, nurturing and supportive environment in which members are free to openly express their feelings. With us, they can find a place to grieve and share, and derive the benefit of knowing that their painful experience is shared by others.

Calvary Episcopal Church: Fostering love and respect for all life.

Perfect Paws Support Services for People who Love Animals New animal companion blessings Memorial services for beloved animal friends Spiritual grief support Emotional support during pet surgery and euthanasia Contact Fran Weil, Pet Chaplain calvarypetministry@gmail.com Cell: 978-869-7258

The Circle of Healing Pet Loss Peer Support Group strives to empathetically minister to people who struggle with recent pet loss, to help them find support and validation for their grief, as well as solace, peace, renewal and hope.

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