When the local parishioners recently opened the Catholic church in readiness for their weekly service, they were met by more than the proverbial poor church mouse. 

A nine-month-old labrador that resides next door in Murrurundi House came romping out as they opened the doors wondering if he was ever going to see the light again.

Jet had left home four days earlier for his regular stroll around the neighborhood and failed to return.

His owners, the Normans, searched the streets, placed notices on Facebook, put pictures on the local notice board and had just about given up any hope of ever seeing him again.

However, they returned home on a Saturday afternoon to find him sitting proudly in his favourite chair.

Apparently, someone had entered the church on Tuesday morning to perform duties and Jet, who thinks his job is to police the church and graveyard, followed them in to investigate.

Unfortunately for Jet, the Heavenly doors closed and it was only hymn left to guard the holy residence.

As churches don’t offer much in the way of food and drink (other than bread and wine), Jet managed to devour a bible, a mat and a kneeling cushion to fulfill his hunger pains.

Sadly for the church, the toilet facilities were outside the building and Jet added a few more pews to the current decor.

The Normans are thrilled to have Jet back at home.