Hi Everyone:

Our priest mentioned a "Pet Mass" on the Feast of St. Assisi. I understand that the Priest will bless your pets. I'm very anxious to do this as I have lost many pets this year, and I would like to seek the Lord's protection for them.

Love to hear all about this day! Also, can Protestants brings their pets too? I have girlfriend/pet lover who would love to bring hers.

Thanks, (and what fun it is to be Catholic)

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), October 01, 2002

Answers

Dear Gail,

I am bringing my puppy to get blessed too. Of course, your friend can bring her pet to get blessed. Animals have no religion and St. Francis loved them all! (at least that is what I think) :)I don't know about a pet 'mass' but they do have a pet blessing on the Feast of St. Francis.

I never brought my other dog to get blessed so I can't tell you what takes place, perhaps someone else on the forum has.

Let us know about your experience.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 01, 2002.

Hi, Gail.
At my parish, there is an outdoor blessing ceremony, just outside the front doors of the church.

I have never heard of a "pet Mass." I don't think that many priests would consider such a thing (at least not indoors), because of the possibility of "accidents," barking/howling contests starting, etc.. We must always remember that the highest degree of reverence must be maintained at Mass, wherein we become mystically present at Calvary.
St. Francis is my "middle-name patron saint." I have always enjoyed reading about his miraculous rapport with wild animals.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 02, 2002.

Yes, that's what it is -- An outdoor pet blessing. I misunderstood the announcement.

Does the priest lay his hands on the pet? What does he say?

Oh, here's another question? Do you think there will be animals in heaven? (MaryLu, I think I know what you'll say -- and I agree)

Thanks a bunch!

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), October 02, 2002.

oh I hope there are animals in Heaven!!! "the lion will lay down with the lamb", etc!! Won't it be like in the garden, originally planned, where there will be perfect peace and harmony? I doubt I'll see all my past pets like we will our ancestors, but I love to imagine being at one with all God's creatures and enjoying petting the lions and lambs. How much fun we look forward to!

Do you bless your own animals? I do! We can do that, sometimes I feel my border collie needs an extra sprinkling of holy water! At any rate.. Gail, like you said it's fun being a Catholic! I like that, I love your zeal!

Check this out! One time I was weeping on the floor, can't even remember why, travailing over something, and no kidding, my dog put his paw on my back, just to comfort me I know. God has given us His creatures for our pleasure, He is so sweet to us. love,Theresa

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), October 02, 2002.

Dear Gail,

I like to think our animals go to heaven, although many will disagree with that because we are told that animals do not have souls! I, however, think animals have souls - more soul than some human beings I know. God created these beautiful creatures, why shouldn't He take them home too?

I have a wonderful book called "The Healing Power of Pets" by Dr. Marty Becker. Dogs have a sixth sense when it comes to our needs and the stories are amazing - how people have been healed from depression, high blood pressure and how dogs can sense when a heart- attack is coming on - amazing stories!

In other words, yes, I think animals go to heaven - maybe a special part of heaven is reserved for them - who knows? They are too special not to be with God who created them and I think St. Francis would agree. :)

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 02, 2002.

For Gail:

ANIMALS DO GO TO HEAVEN! A sweet story --------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- This was emailed to me today, and wanted to share it with you all. It's a little long, but so sweet!

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery when it suddenly occured to him that he was dead. He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them.

After awhile, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight. When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother of pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold.

He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out. "Excuse me, where are we?" "This is Heaven sir," the man answered.

"Wow! Would you happen to have some water?" the man asked. "Of course sir, come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought up". The man gestured, and the gate began to open. "Can my friend" gesturing toward his dog, "come in too?" the traveller asked. "I'm sorry sir, we don't accept pets." The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he begun with his dog.

After another long walk, he came to a dirt road which led through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man leaning against a tree, reading a book.

"Excuse me!" he called to the reader, "Do you have any water?" "Yeah sure there's a pump over there". The man pointed to a place that couldn't be seen from outside the gate. "Come on in!" "How about my friend here?" asked the traveller. "There should be a bowl next to the pump."

They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveller filled the bowl for the dog, and took a long drink himself. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was waiting for them.

"What do you call this place?" the traveller asked. "This is Heaven" was the answer. "Well that's confusing" the traveller said. "The man down the road said that was Heaven, too."

"Oh you mean the place with the gold streets and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell."

"Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?' "No. I can see how you might think so, but we're just happy that they screen out the folks who'll leave their best friends behind!!"

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 02, 2002.

Both C.S. Lewis (Anglican) and his friend Sheldon Van Auken (convert from Anglicanism) thought it was possible that animals went to heaven, by virtue of their relationship with human beings.

I don't think the Catholic Church officially agrees with that though. Guess we'll just have to wait and find out when we get there. My feeling is, it'd be nice, but frankly, I'll just be relieved that *I* get there! ;-)

-- Christine L. (christinelehman@hotmail.com), October 02, 2002.

Dear Christine,

I spoke to two different priests about dogs going to heaven and one (who owned a dog and loved his dog very much), told me that dogs do have souls and go to heaven.

The other priest (who also owned a dog he loved very much) told me that dogs do not go to heaven because they do not have souls.

So, like you said, we will just have to wait and see. Frankly, I think my dog will get into heaven before I will. I may have to make a few stops along the way and ask for many prayers! :)

P.S. After my precious dog died (13 years old) I got so many signs from her...unbelievable signs (even my husband believes in that now), it only confirmed to me that our pets are somewhere after hear and I assume it is heaven.

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 02, 2002.

Good morning gals!!!....my litte 2 cents.... now you have to know I love animals, was raised with some mutt sleeping on my bed all the time, HAVE to stop on the side of the road to pet the horses whenever we're in the country.

..However.. I think the precious creatures differ then us in that they weren't created with an eternal 'spirit', {1 Thessalonians 5:23}, like we were, to live personally eternally in relationship with God. I do think they have a soul, {mind, will, and emotions}, which makes them such great companions. I could be wrong, hey, it's interesting and not that big a deal.

Like someone said, we'll find out when we get there! Have a blessed day, Theresa

-- Theresa (rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), October 03, 2002.

oops...spelling or typo - meant to say "after h e r e." But, you all knew that, didn't you? :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 03, 2002.

Hey Ladies:

What fun it is to talk about this subject (apparently only us ladies are interested).

I know there's a scripture somewhere in Genesis which states that animals have souls but of course they have no spirit, which is what makes us eternal. But anyway, I often think that the Lord in his infinite goodness could, should He choose, resurrect our pets for us! I'm sure heaven will be so wonderful that perhaps we won't even remember our pets, but still, it is possible!

I do believe there will be animals there. Why would God create such wonderful animals for us on earth, but not in heaven? Just makes no sense. There will probably be colors we've never seen, musical notes we've never heard, flowers that will put the tropics to shame, and animals we can't imagine!

Oh, the glorious riches of Christ -- "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"

Love,

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), October 03, 2002.

hello hello!!! ..been thinkin' of animals again.. ya know what cracks me up is the thought of my 'old' {now deceased} border collie, Rosie, sittin' there in Heaven with a smile on her face when I get there..nahhhhhhhhhhhhh.

But I like the idea of all those colors and animals, I even heard our resurrected bodies will be transluscent and we'll be able to go through things 'cause there won't be matter. Who says Heaven's going to be boring!!! Theresa

-- Theresa (rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), October 03, 2002.

Jmj

Hello, ladies.
Pardon the "male intrusion!" I thought that one or more of you may like to review what the Church teaches us about animals in the new Catechism. These words do not give us a ruling on the specific question you have been discussing on this thread, but they may help us to come to an informed opinion.

2415. "The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. [Cf. Gen 128-31.] Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation. [Cf. CA 37-38.]"

2416. "Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.[Cf. Mt 6:26: Dan 3:79-81.] Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals."

2417. "God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.[Cf. Gen 2:19-20; Gen 9:1-4.] Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice, if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives."

2418. "It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons."

The Catechism also states -- this time about us:
382. "'Man, though made of body and soul, is a unity' [GS 14 #1]. The doctrine of the faith affirms that the spiritual and immortal soul is created immediately by God."

In my diocese, a couple of very learned priests answer questions from their parishioners in (St. Veronica's) bulletin. Their efforts are posted on the Internet. Here is part of one Q&A:

Question: [A man told me] "that dogs don’t have souls so they don’t go to Heaven. Is it wrong if I don’t believe him? I happen to love dogs. I have three.
"[ANSWER:] If you go to the site, http://members.aol.com/jmageema/links.html, you will see a page which is a jump-off to the works of St. Thomas Aquinas. One of his works, the 'Summa Contra Gentiles' specifically deals with your question. Just look up two questions: #79 'That the Human Soul does not Perish with the Body' and #82 'That the Souls of Animals are not Immortal.'
"Is it a sin to disagree with St. Thomas? No, it isn't. What he says is that all living things have souls. However, plants and animals have material souls, while people have rational souls. A material soul, like a dog's, depends on the body of the plant or animal staying together. When the plant or animal dies, the material soul is no longer present. With a person, who has a rational soul, that soul animates the body, but does not depend on that body for its existence. Thus, when a man’s body dies, his soul can continue to live on. If we find we don't like St. Thomas’ reasoning, we have the obligation to come up with a better explanation."

Some of you may recall that I have several times quoted the recently deceased Jesuit theologian and writer, Fr. John Hardon -- a very holy and orthodox man whose catechetical works were highly regarded within the Vatican. Here is part of a question he received and an opinion that he published:

"Question: Is it correct to say that pets do not go to Heaven after death because animals do not have immortal souls? ..."
"Answer: Pets, as pets, do not go to Heaven. But animals and such-like beings may be said to be" created by God and placed in "Heaven because, after the Last Day, they can serve as part of the joys of Heaven. ... Clearly, we do not need pets to provide happiness in Heaven. But pets and such-like creatures will be" present in "Heaven to become part of our creaturely happiness in the Heavenly kingdom."

So taking all of the above into consideration, I would conclude:
(1) Our pets (and all other plants and animals) do not have immortal, spiritual souls, but mortal, material souls.
(2) These material souls cease to exist upon the death of the plant or animal, and they will not be revived/resurrected.
(3) Animals and plants were created for the sake of man, not for their own sake. They do not reap a "heavenly reward."
(4) Since no part of them is immortal, our actual pets and favorite plants will not be in heaven. However, we will not even be aware of that (nor sad about it), because heaven is a place of perfect joy.
(5) God may create new animals and plants to exist as part of the joys of heaven. On the other hand, he may not create them, because they are not actually necessary and we would not notice their absence (so completely absorbed we will be in the "beatific vision" of God).

God bless you all
John

-- (jfgecik@hotmail.com), October 03, 2002.

I bought the kids a couple of ducks. Talk about cheap pets; you hardly need to feed them... they turn their nose up at the grain we got them go for the bugs in the garden instead. I doubt they have cost me more than $30 since I got them about nine months ago.

They are great things about ducks is that they are completely certifiable. They are so goofy you can't help but look at them and be happy.

-- (emerald1@cox.net), October 04, 2002.

I'm not sure what exactly heaven has in store for us (no, really?), but at least we know that in the garden animals had a place in the fabric of happiness for humans. I believe it is the case that what now constitutes 'heaven' since the Fall is something different but finer than the pre-fall paradise.

So in my limited knowledge I speculate that yes, animals could conceivably have a place in heaven, but I regularly assume they don't.

At any rate, there is a distinction between the notion 'there are animals in heaven' and 'my pets will be in heaven', because the latter is all about resurrecting something which is incapable of resurrection. To speak loosely, Aquinas leaned heavily on Aristotle; Both had the notion that animals, and even plants, had 'souls', but they meant this in terms of a life force, or life principle, or the thing that was the nature of something that moved it to be and do what they are and do. Do-be-do-be-do.

Obviously the human has all that the animal has but also has rationality, which I sometimes wonder if this is the part that is 'in the image and likeness of God'... the ability to know not just facts like animals but specifically to be able to know causality.

Lacking rationality and lacking any real 'knowing', I believe that this would preclude any animal from resurrecting in any manner.

Also, although we know that different animals of the same kind have variations in habits and affections and so forth, I think you can reason to the fact that they don't have 'personalities', although I do understand what people mean in the loose, analogical sense of the word.

Therefore (finally....!) I think you could then reason to having animals blessed, but NOT including them in the Mass in a formal way, being a solemn occasion and a matter of grave importance directed at the salvation of the human soul. If they happen to show up unannounced which I have seen more than once, I don't think we need to chase them out necessarily, but to act as if they benefit from the Mass would not be theologically accurate or even worthwhile.

But I am speculating here, and as always, ask a good priest or look it up from a good source. Sometimes the 'animals in heaven' question seems silly, but it is really not. There is a lot to be learned about the order of things by asking the question... you get more than you pay for.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), October 04, 2002.

A couple animals in Mass stories for fun...

When I was a kid and serving as an alter boy, right during the Consecration, Monsignor's dog somehow got in and strolled up to the alter. He motioned to me to get the dog out. Bad idea... I ended up having it out with the dog in front of the alter, snapping and barking; I lost and the dog stayed and went to sleep at the foot of the alter.

Same church different mass, I was again serving when a bat flies in and gets caught up in the music director's hair. He was reaching up not knowing what it was at first, and I wispered "you've got a bat in your hair!" Then then procedes to start screaming and run around the alter area pulling at his hair. The funniest part of this scene is that the audience has absolutely no clue what is going on.

Then about a year ago there was the white dove that perched on the dome over the alter. No, it wasn't the Holy Spirit. He wouldn't have tried to fly through a closed window.

Enough dumb stories for now.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), October 04, 2002.

Emerald, What a hoot! Loved those stories! Especially the bat one!

Here's my favorite pet story.

My girlfriend and I, at the tender age of 17, decided to go to the lakefront beach at a nearby park. Since Mona could not bear to leave her German Shepherd at home, we decided to take Shiek with us.

While Mona and I were standing on the beach chatting, Mona realized that Shiek was much too far away. So, she cryied out "Shiek . . . Shiek . . . Here boy!" About that time, we turned around to see Mona's beloved Shiek "taking a leak" on a poor woman who was lounging in the sun near the water as if she were a fire hydrant!

So we did what any two courageous teenage girls would do. We turned tail and quietly sauntered back to our vehicle as if we had never before seen that dog in our lives!

Gail

P.S. Of course, we didn't go home without Shiek.

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), October 04, 2002.

Gail and Emerald,

Thanks for the laughs! Your stories are so appreciated as is your humor!

MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), October 04, 2002.

HAPPY ST. FRANCIS DAY!!!

Gail that story cracks me up. I can just picture you walking away! Animals are such a joy.

..Was just thinking, was this why we read today about God talking to Job about the remote animals and their goings on, and His Sovereignty over all of them? That is an amazing thought, His knowledge of even the exotic animals and their lives, we have no clue about.

John, thanks for the info. God bless,Theresa

-- Theresa (Rodntee4Jesus@aol.com), October 04, 2002.

lol Gail!

Hey, could I rent that dog for a week? =)

Thanks MaryLu.

-- Emerald (emerald1@cox.net), October 05, 2002.