“We understand that these are difficult decisions for our civic leaders and that they have many factors to consider in the reopening of life in Minnesota,” Bishop Kettler says in his latest video message.”The bishops of Minnesota also have difficult decisions to make as we determine when to allow public worship with more than 10 people.”
The announcement was accompanied by a list of strict guidelines that pastors and parishes must follow. These include limiting the number of people in the church at any one time to 10 or less, following current social distancing guidelines, and cleaning and sanitizing pews daily.
At this time of the coronavirus pandemic, most are unable to receive physically the Eucharist, the sacrament of holy Communion at Mass.
“Although we cannot be physically together, this is a way for us to gather as a diocesan church and pray together during these challenging times,” Bishop Kettler said.
“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.”
With Masses throughout the diocese suspended and church buildings closed through at least April 13, parishes are finding meaningful ways to keep connected with parishioners using online resources as well as old-school methods.
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.
A three-day football camp featured drills and scrimmages mixed in with Mass, rosary, Stations of the Cross and adoration.
