Around the Diocese

A page with the latest information about the Diocese of St. Cloud’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) has been added to the diocesan website. 

The St. Cloud-area Catholic Community Schools announced March 15 that all nine member schools will temporarily close effective March 16, according to a post on their Facebook page.

My staff and I are monitoring daily the recommendations offered by the Minnesota Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and I have appointed an ad hoc committee to meet weekly to stay abreast of developments. The physical and spiritual well-being of the people of the diocese is our primary concern.

Father Donald LeMay died on March 11 in the retirement center at St. John’s Abbey. The monks, family, and friends will celebrate the Eucharist of Christian Burial for Father Donald at 3 p.m. on March 17 in the St. John’s Abbey and University Church. Interment in St. John’s Cemetery following the service.

Father Jerome Nordick, 63, died March 10, 2020 at St. Benedict’s Senior Community, St. Cloud. A vigil prayer service will be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, March 15 at the Cathedral of St. Mary, St. Cloud. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 16 at the Cathedral of St. Mary with Bishop Donald Kettler presiding. Burial will be in St. Thomas Cemetery, Kent.

At this time, I am not requiring parishes to modify any liturgical practices; if there is a change regarding this, I will notify pastors. However, Pastors, at their discretion, may implement specific guidelines they deem in the best interests of their parishes.

At this time, the bishop isn’t requiring parishes to modify any liturgical practices. However, pastors, at their discretion, may implement specific guidelines they deem in the best interests of their parishes.

The Kruzel family and others have channeled their grief into organizing events and plan a new center to support others who are grieving.