Come, Holy Spirit Across our Archdiocese, for the first time in more than two months, many Catholics will be gathered today for the public celebration of the Holy Mass inside their own churches! Even for those parishes who have decided to celebrate the Mass outdoors like we have, a fuller participation in the Mass will be had in that Holy Communion will be distributed to those who desire to receive. Is it any wonder that this joyful event happens to occur on today’s Feast of Pentecost considering that it is the Holy Spirit’s mission to unite the faithful in love of God and neighbor? Although the union which the Holy Spirit brings about is primarily spiritual, to actually be in one another’s physical presence and that of God’s unique Eucharistic presence is immeasurably important to us. Let our prayer today be one of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit for His love of us.
As our gratitude leads to deeper love for God, it necessarily must lead to deeper love for our neighbor. Therefore, while we are returning to a degree of public celebration of the Holy Mass, we must continue to keep in mind the most vulnerable among us and allow our actions to reflect this loving thoughtfulness. While we remain in this pandemic, certain strict health protocols will need to be followed. Please read the document we have included in this weekend’s bulletin to give you some sense of how we are going to do this, especially when we return to Mass inside the church. I thank you for your generous attention to these health protocols and ask that we respectfully hold each other accountable in following them.
I want you to know that we will resume our regular daily mass schedule beginning on Monday, June 1
st within our churches. Holy Communion will be distributed at all Masses. Please, wear a mask at all indoor Masses and/or if you plan on receiving Communion at any Mass. Until further notice, Sunday Mass will be held outdoors, weather permitting. Here are a few reasons why I have made the decision to continue with
outdoor Masses on Sundays for the time being:
Outdoor Masses reduce the likelihood of passing the virus.
They give an added sense of security especially to senior citizens who may judge it safer to remain within their vehicles.
There is no limit to how many people can attend the Mass if they remain in their vehicle. (If Mass were inside the church, only 25% of seating capacity would be allowed)
The distribution of Holy Communion is now permitted at an outdoor Mass.
The need to sanitize much of the interior part of the church is eliminated when Mass is celebrated outdoors.
An outdoor Mass if far less logistically complicated than following the numerous health protocols if we were to be inside the church.
If we need to cancel Sunday’s outdoor Mass due to inclement weather, expect that the Mass will be live streamed. At this point, there are no plans to do a Saturday evening vigil Mass.
The Archbishop has made it abundantly clear that no one is obliged to attend Sunday Mass during the time of this pandemic. Therefore, if you judge it safer for you not to attend Mass at any point during this pandemic, let your conscience be at peace. To help you stay connected the best we are able, we will continue to live stream our Sunday Masses whenever possible.
There is more that could be said, and I imagine you have some questions. Please, feel free to contact Fr. Sandquist or me with your questions. Fr. Sandquist can be reached at
[email protected] or 507-357-6633 and I can be reached at
[email protected] or 507-357-6633. Our parish staff would also be a good resource to help answer your questions.
God bless all of you, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Please, know of my prayers for you, and that I am counting on yours for me.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.