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A Catholic parish in Laguna has clarified why pets are not allowed inside the church and within its premises during the celebration of the Holy Mass, saying the policy is intended to protect the sacredness of the liturgy—not to discourage people's love for animals.

In a statement, St. John Bosco Parish & Center for Young Workers in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, explained that the policy was issued in response to questions from parishioners regarding the presence of pets during Mass.

The parish stressed that the rule is "rooted not in a disregard for animals, but in our reverence for the sacred liturgy."

While recognizing that caring for animals is a Christian responsibility, the parish said love for pets should remain distinct from the worship Catholics give to the Holy Eucharist.

"We cherish animals because they are God’s creatures; we ADORE the Holy Eucharist because it is God Himself truly present among us."

The statement cited St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of creation, saying Christians are called to treat animals with kindness, respect, and responsible stewardship because they are gifts from God.

At the same time, the parish said the celebration of the Mass must remain centered on Christ and conducted in a peaceful, prayerful, and orderly environment for everyone in attendance.

The church also addressed a question raised by some parishioners about why children, including infants, are welcomed at Mass while pets are not.

According to the parish, children are baptized members of the Church and are an integral part of the worshipping community. Parents also have the responsibility to bring them to Mass so they can gradually learn the faith and participate in the Eucharist.

Although children may sometimes become noisy or restless, the parish said they are welcomed with patience and understanding because they are being formed in the faith.

Pets, however, are not participants in the liturgy. The parish noted that bringing animals to Mass is a personal choice rather than a requirement of Christian worship. Even well-behaved pets, it added, may unexpectedly bark, roam around, trigger allergies, or cause fear and distraction among other worshippers.

Instead of deciding which animals may be allowed inside the church, the parish said implementing a general policy is "the fairest, most practical, and most pastoral approach for the good of the entire assembly."

The parish also clarified that the policy is not about choosing children over animals or judging pet owners. Rather, it is meant to preserve the dignity and solemnity of the Holy Eucharist while respecting the different roles of people and animals within the Church.

The statement added that trained service animals assisting persons with disabilities remain welcome during Mass. Parish personnel may respectfully ask for reasonable proof or identification that an animal is a trained service animal.

The parish concluded by thanking parishioners for their understanding and cooperation in helping maintain the church as "a place of prayer, worship, and a true encounter with the Lord."

The clarification comes as more pet owners bring their animals to public places, including places of worship. While many Catholic churches hold pet blessing ceremonies on or around the feast of St. Francis of Assisi every October, policies on pets during the celebration of the Holy Mass are generally left to individual parishes, provided they uphold the reverence and order of the liturgy.

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!” (Psalm 84:1)

This version makes the parish the clear subject of the story, adds relevant context about Catholic practice, and maintains a neutral, news-style tone while preserving all direct quotes exactly as written.