Animal Ministry
All Creatures Great and Small
Our Animal Ministry is not just about dogs and cats, it is for the people in our pews - and those beyond our church. In response to Bishop Gutierrez’s call in Fall 2023 to establish an Animal Ministry at our diocesan churches, we have done just that.
Our mission is to ensure the church is a hub for compassion. St. Thomas’ is committed to serving all creatures, great and small. Our goals are to use animal-centered programs to engage with the community; create a foster network for people to connect with animals; provide a respite space for shelter animals, and a prayer space for people and animals - all while showcasing the church as a hub for compassion, community service, and support.
Through partnerships with animal shelters and rescues, we are committed to training more people to be fosters for short and long-term needs; providing a space (and transportation) for shelter dogs; and providing support to all those who work with animals.
A Space on Campus
We are currently finishing “The Cabin” which will be a space for prayer with, and for, animals - and a space for shelter animals to decompress for the day. (Naming opportunity details coming soon!)
The idea for The Cabin was conceived by parishioners with experience in animal shelters as staff and volunteers; animal advocates; and all parishioners who love and care for animals. We are grateful to those who are donating their time to make this a reality.
Please feel free to reach out to Anne Anspach and Jen Tucker with any ideas you have or to get involved. If you are dealing with a loss related to a companion animal or in need of a blessing for yourself or your furry friend, please let us know.
“... God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.”
Programs on Campus
Prayer with, and for, your companion animal. Starting the fall of 2025, join us outside for prayer for yourself and your companion animal. We are looking to do this during the week, providing dinner and activities (including homework club) for the whole family. Stay tuned.
Expanding the foster network, diverting animals from shelters. Fostering cuts down on euthanasia in shelters by freeing up space. It also lets dogs show their true selves, helping find them the right home.[1]
Fostering can be easy for you, and also be short-term. Some animals need 24 hours of care, some longer. Some are puppies or kittens, some are seniors that just want a place to nap. For people who need short-term care for their animals (e.g. hospital stays, family emergencies) we can be a resource.
Providing (day) respite for shelter animals, increasing likelihood of adoption. Many shelters are in need of volunteers who will give a shelter dog a daylong or several hour respite. You can bring the dog here for a walk around our 42-acre campus or take him/her to work to just hang out. It has been proven that dogs greatly benefit from time away from the shelter, are more likely to be adopted (especially if you post a pic of your new furry friend on social media) and the person who “adopts” the dog for a day is happier. It is a win-win! We can help with this process of securing an animal for the day and be there with you if you have never done this before.
Providing pastoral care to shelter workers and veterinarians. The church works with two animal chaplains, dedicated to supporting these critical workers through compassion fatigue, grief, anxiety - and finding and celebrating joy.
God created and celebrates all animals. If you have an idea for another animal species, contact us.
[1] https://www.whypetcare.com/dog-foster-care/
Certified Animal Chaplain, Canon Jennifer Tucker
“All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small.”
From the time I was young, this hymn reinforced my understanding that God’s love extends to every part of creation – to all living beings. Loving animals – all animals – has been a huge part of my life. As an activist, advocate and now animal chaplain.
Many people know what a chaplain does: they listen, they hold space, they walk alongside others through seasons of pain, grief, and hope. We see chaplains in hospitals, schools, on battlefields, in disaster zones – places where people are suffering and in need of care. Yet, there is another place where this sacred presence is profoundly needed.
People that take care of animals – your pets in many cases – deal with high levels of compassion fatigue and burnout. Veterinary professionals, shelter workers, and animal caregivers often face enormous emotional strain that is responsible for a suicide rate above the national average. Many witness daily heartbreak, such as the euthanasia of healthy animals in overcrowded shelters. Their clients are voiceless and vulnerable.
In June, I was ordained as a certified animal chaplain and veterinary chaplain. My calling is to support both people and animals: to comfort those grieving the loss of a beloved companion, to walk with professionals carrying invisible burdens, to offer blessings for new life, and to honor the sacred bonds between humans and the creatures entrusted to their care.
I am honored to volunteer my time in service to the St. Thomas’ community and to co-lead the church’s animal ministry with Anne Anspach. If you, your family, or your pets could benefit from support, prayer, or blessing, please feel free to reach out: 215-266-2929 or chaplainJBT@gmail.com.
PREVIOUS ANIMAL MINISTRY EVENTS
On March 22, 2025, we hosted a dog adoption with Home at Last at our Parish House MacColl Auditorium.
On April 24, 2025, we hosted a Foster 101 for anyone interested in fostering cats or dogs but doesn’t know where to begin, or might need support or may only be able to foster for a a short period of time.
Sunday, February 16, 2025: Pet Adoption Event - Meet and Greet adoptable dogs and cats from Home at Last and Stray Cat Blues in the MacColl Auditorium
Sunday, September 29, 2024: Certified Pet Chaplain Donna Mosebach addresses Adult Forum in MacColl Auditorium: ‘The Spiritual Roles Animals Play in Our Lives’
Saturday, October 5, 2024: Blessing of the Animals service on the Labyrinth.
Saturday, October 19, 2024: Pet Adoption Event - Meet and Greet adoptable dogs and cats from Home at Last and Stray Cat Blues in the MacColl Auditorium
Saturday, December 28, 2024: Pet Adoption Event - Meet and Greet adoptable dogs and cats from Home at Last and Stray Cat Blues in the MacColl Auditorium