Search
-
Policy and Guidelines regarding Animals on Parish Property
-
Holy Trinity Catholic Church strives to be a welcoming, safe, and reverent place for all who come to worship, celebrate the Sacraments, and participate in parish life fellowship. To help maintain a prayerful, safe, and welcoming environment for all parishioners and visitors, we have established the following policies and guidelines.
Although religious organizations are generally exempt from the requirements of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Holy Trinity Catholic Church recognizes that some individuals with disabilities rely on service dogs in their daily lives. Thus, our Parish seeks to accommodate these individuals whenever reasonably possible while also maintaining a safe, orderly, and prayerful environment for everyone else attending Church.
The following policies and guidelines seek to balance these considerations with compassion, respect, Christian hospitality, and reverence for the sacred space of our church.
1. Service Animals
For purposes of this Parish policy, service animals are recognized as service dogs that are individually and properly trained to perform specific work or tasks for an individual with a disability.
Service dogs are permitted on our campus, subject to the guidelines established in this policy. Service dogs are required to wear a vest or other visible official identification indicating that they are trained service animals.
At all times, Service dogs must:
• Remain leashed, harnessed, or otherwise under the handler’s effective control.
• Remain calm and with their handler.
• Not display aggressive behavior, excessively bark, or pose a threat to the safety of others
• Be reliably housebroken.
• Remain on the floor and not be placed on pews, chairs, or other furniture.
• Not interfere with or disrupt worship, liturgical activities, or other parish operations.
2. Emotional Support, Comfort, Therapy, Companion Animals and Pets
Emotional support, comfort, therapy, and companion animals, as well as pets in general, are not considered service animals under this policy. Therefore, they are not permitted inside the church buildings during Mass or any other activities or services to preserve a safe, reverent, and welcoming environment for our parish community.
We kindly ask parishioners and visitors to make appropriate arrangements for their pets before attending Mass or entering parish buildings.
3. Designated Area for Service Animals
The narthex is the designated seating area for individuals accompanied by service dogs to help maintain a prayerful environment and minimize disruptions during Mass and other liturgical celebrations.
Service dogs are not permitted in the main worship area of the church building during Mass or any other liturgical service.
Individuals attending with a service dog are asked to remain in the narthex area throughout the liturgy.
Individuals accompanied by service dogs who wish to receive Holy Communion are asked to notify a sacristan or usher at the beginning of the liturgy. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion will then bring Communion to them in the Narthex
4. Special Parish Events
Pets and other animals may be permitted at specific parish events when their presence is appropriate or intentional, such as:
• The Blessing of Animals in observance of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
• Certain outdoor parish events.
• Ministry activities or programs specifically approved by the Pastor.
Animals other than service dogs participating in such events are not permitted to enter the interior of the Church or parish buildings at any time.
5. Conduct and Safety Requirements
Any animal permitted on parish property must, at all times:
• Remain leashed, harnessed, or otherwise under the handler’s effective control.
• Remain calm and not display aggressive behavior, excessively bark or pose a threat to the safety of others.
• Be reliably housebroken.
• Remain off chairs, tables, and other furniture.
• Not interfere with or disrupt parish activities or normal parish operations.
• Be properly cared for by the handler, including the prompt cleanup and disposal of any waste.
If at any time, an animal becomes disruptive, aggressive, or is not under the handler’s effective control, the handler may be asked to remove the animal from the parish grounds.
Our Commitment:
Holy Trinity Catholic Church is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and reverent environment for all. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our parishioners and visitors as we strive to accommodate those who rely on service dogs while preserving the safety, comfort, and prayerful experience of our parish community.
If you have questions about these guidelines or require assistance or accommodation, please contact the parish office.
Thank you for helping us preserve the sacred atmosphere of our church and uphold the spirit of Christian hospitality, compassion, and respect for all.
-