Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers, is proud to offer the first-of-its-kind Perfect Paws Pet Ministry. The special worship service for people and their canines (on leashes) and other household pets (in carrying crates, please) runs from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month, welcoming human companions and their well-mannered, companion animals 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 also receive species-appropriate animal treats at the end of the service. Individuals are able to submit special prayers for animals 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 officiates at the services. Calvary’s offering -- for all animals, not only canines -- is the first of its kind in the nation, although there are a few other churches in the U.S. that offer similar services solely for canines. “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 two summers ago 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 JOIN US THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH ~ 5 to 5:30 P.M. All faiths welcome! And now ... all household pets too! Message Board Calvary Episcopal Church: Fostering love and respect for all life. We offer Pet Loss Bereavement Support click for info READ: Perfect Paws Monthly E-News Online Read all about us in our monthly newsletter: Click to View our new PERFECT PAWS PET MINISTRY E-NEWSLETTER SEE what our service is like (video) TM READ: The Humane Society of the United States features Perfect Paws in its national magazine, “All Animals.” Photos of the 9th Annual Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011 at Endicott Park. Thanks for being there! Photo slide show  / Downloadable Photo Album (click on photo, once its enlarged, right click to save to your computer.) Read the story. Perfect Paws’ CHRISTMAS FOR THE ANIMALS Sunday, Dec. 18, from 5 to 5:30 p.m. O’Neill Hall, Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers across from Town Hall Bring your animal companions and photos of the ones who have gone before. Join us immediately after the service for some sweets and fellowship. ALL FAITHS ARE WELCOME. FUR, FINS, CLAWS and WINGS TOO! Perfect Paws Pet Ministry TM All faiths, all household animals welcome to our special Christmas service with Carols. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2011 5 to 5:30 p.m. ~ O’Neill Hall Calvary Episcopal Church, Danvers                                                  Corner Cherry and Holten Street