“Like you, I miss a lot of things because of the stay-at-home order. But what I miss the most is celebrating the Eucharist with you in person: the people of God. I’ve heard from many of you about how difficult it is not to be able to attend Mass at this time or pray together in our churches. This is necessary, however, to keep everyone safe and healthy. So we must look at other ways to gather.”
Lent is a time to reflect on the sacrifices we have been asked to make and what we might do for others.
“If we continue to support one another through prayer, if we are kind and generous in our interactions with each other, if we continue to be the face of Christ to one another, we’ll get through this OK.”
“Let’s model for everyone in our communities how best to respond to the current challenge we face — with patience, compassion, and the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way.”
I have made the difficult decision to suspend all public weekday and weekend Masses in the Diocese of Saint Cloud, effective immediately through Easter Monday, April 13. All Catholics in the diocese remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass during this time.
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.
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.
Pope Francis warmly welcomed our ‘ad limina’ group, listened attentively and answered our questions.
