Ask a Question - or - Return to the Liturgy Forum Index

Question Title Posted By Question Date
Are dogs allowed in church? David Monday, December 13, 2004

Question:

Yesterday at Mass a man brought his big, quiet dog to Mass. He had it on a short leash and it wore a saddle-thing so he could grab it easily if he needed to. He sat on a chair in the back of the church but went up to the communion line with the dog. The priest (a Franciscan) knows he brings the dog to Mass, but is this permissable? Do I have any responsibility to say anything to him or to the priest this Sunday?


Question Answered by Mr. Jacob Slavek

Dear David,

You will not find anything in Church documents that forbid a dog a church, but you really shouldn't have to since it is so obvious. Sacraments are for people. Yes, I would talk with the priest.

Mr. Slavek


Footer Notes: (a) A Eucharistic Minister is clergy (Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion). Laity are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and should never be called Eucharistic Ministers.

(b) There is no such Mass called the Novus Ordo. The Current Mass is the Roman Missal of 2000, or the Oridinary Form of the Mass. The Tridentine Mass is the Roman Missal of 1962, or the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. Please refrain from using the term, Novus Ordo. Thanks.

(c) The titles of Acolyte and Lector belong exclusively to the Installed Offices of Acolyte and Lector, who are men (only) appointed by the Bishop. These roles performed by others are Altar Servers and Readers, respectively.