pandemic

People from around the diocese who lost family members or friends to the coronavirus gathered at St. Francis Xavier in Sartell Aug. 25 for a Mass of Remembrance with Bishop Donald Kettler.

Vaccinations are not required for students and adults in diocesan Catholic schools “but are strongly encouraged for those eligible to receive them,” according to the 2021-2022 Catholic school opening guidance from the Diocese of St. Cloud sent Aug. 18 to Catholic school principals and pastors.

As some Catholics are seeking a religious exemption to the coronavirus vaccine mandates that are becoming more common in workplaces and even some public venues, priests in the Archdiocese of New York have been advised not to get involved in that process.

“We have so many reasons to be optimistic that students will learn and grow together in person, much as they did prior to the start of the pandemic,” he said in the Aug. 5 letter. “This will only be possible with continued diligence, trust and prayer.”

Now that a 15-month suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass has ended, as of July 1, pastors, parish staff and parishioners are weighing the costs and benefits of continuing to livestream their daily or weekly Masses.

Releasing both reports July 24, the Vatican said the coronavirus pandemic had a serious negative impact on the Vatican’s financial situation, including the 66.3 million euros ($78 million) deficit in the consolidated budget report for 2020.

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“My hope is that we return as parish communities to the celebration of the Eucharist with great joy.”