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FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
Archbishop Hebda Suspends Masses in Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
State Officials have communicated to religious leaders that the next two weeks are critical for the containment of the COVID-19/coronavirus and that all congregational gatherings should be avoided. While I am sure that the advice is startling for those of any creed, it particularly hits hard for Catholics, given our beliefs about the Mass and the Eucharist.
In light of that advice, after consulting with the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors, and having learned that an active parish priest in another U.S. diocese has tested positive for the virus - unknowingly putting his parish at risk prior to the manifestation of any symptoms - I have made the difficult decision to suspend all regularly scheduled public celebrations of Mass in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul Minneapolis, effective immediately. Given both the moral impossibility of attending Mass, as well as the dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass that was extended to the faithful of the Archdiocese last week, please rest assured that the missing of Mass in these conditions should not weigh on your conscience.
Watch the video and see the full letter from Archbishop Hebda. See also a special video message for this Feast of Saint Joseph.
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE
COVID-19/coronavirus Resource Web Page
Find videos, updates, live stream Masses, online formation resources, and resources for parishes/schools at archspm.org/covid19.
Have a resource you'd like us to share? Are we missing a resource you need? Contact us at communications@archspm.org.
New Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting System
The new Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) service became operational Monday, March 16. The Bishops of the United States approved the national reporting system following Pope Francis’ May 2019 apostolic letter, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), to address the issue of sexual abuse and bishop accountability in the global Catholic Church.
CBAR is one way to report allegations, operated by Convercent, Inc., an independent, third party entity that provides intake services to private institutions for reports of sensitive topics such as sexual harassment, through a secure, confidential, and professional platform. Individuals may make a report by accessing ReportBishopAbuse.org or calling (800) 276-1562. Reports are taken 24 hours a day in English and Spanish. More information may be found at archspm.org/ReportBishopAbuse.
Catholic Center Status
As a result of COVID-19/coronavirus and mitigation strategies and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health, we wanted you to know all Catholic Center employees who are able to perform their work duties and responsibilities remotely are for the time being encouraged to do so. This is in an effort to limit the activity within the Catholic Center and take a proactive position to do all we can to limit the impact of the virus in Minnesota. At this time, the Catholic Center is still open, but we’re suspending many meetings and discouraging outside visitors. It is our intention to continue to serve you during these challenging times, but it may take a day or two for us to get fully up-to-speed. We appreciate your patience and your prayers.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH
VIRTUS Sessions Suspended
Due to the efforts to mitigate the potential spread of COVID-19, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has suspended all live VIRTUS training sessions . OPCY will notify all registered people of the session suspensions. OPCY will contact each host site to reschedule affected sessions. Safe Environment Coordinators: If you have any new employees or volunteers who require immediate training, contact your OPCY Program Liaison directly. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Now through Monday, May 11, 2020April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Again this year the theme is “Strong and Thriving Families”. During the month of April, schools and parishes are encouraged to increase awareness and provide education and support to families. Please make plans now to honor this important initiative. Schools and parishes can find resources at .In addition, the USCCB has compiled several . These include: Intentions for a Rosary for Healing and Protection, Call to Prayer, Mass intentions, a Novena for Protection and Healing, posters, and a variety of print and social media resources.
VOCATIONS
See 10000vocations.org for more information and to register for upcoming events!
'Home for the Summer'
June 13 – August 8
“Home for the Summer” is a Catholic summer household experience for women who are interested in discerning their vocation while living in community for eight weeks. This summer program is for women who are college age up to 27. Applications are now being taken. For more information see 10000vocations.org. Parishes, please share the poster.
Quo Vadis Youth Vocation Camps – Registration is Open
July 19 – 22: Quo Vadis Camp for Young Men at Kiwanis Camp
July 19 – 22 : Quo Vadis Camp for Young Women at Dunrovin Retreat Center
Each session begins on Sunday afternoon with Mass and concludes on Wednesday after lunch. The camp includes Mass, prayer, talks, field trips to visit religious communities, confession, and the Rosary, along with lots of fun and outdoor recreation including kayaking, wall climbing, hikes and campfires! Quo Vadis is a camp experience for youth ages 14 – 17 to learn that nothing is more important than discovering God’s will for your life – and living it! Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit 10000vocations.org. Please print and post the flyer.
Bethany House Applications Now Accepted
September 2020 – May 2021
Bethany House applications are now being accepted for September 2020 to May 2021. Bethany House is a home for women who live in community, pray together, take meals together and discern whether they are called to consecrated life. Bethany House is sponsored by the Office of Vocations and is located in Northeast Minneapolis. We are currently taking applications for women interested in Bethany House. Qualities of a good candidate for Bethany House include single women, ages 20-27, who are interested in dedicating a year to intentionally discerning a vocation to religious life. If this describes you, we invite you to contact us by completing the interest form here.
SAINT JOHN VIANNEY COLLEGE SEMINARY
Spring Mass and May Crowning
Sunday, May 3
9 a.m. Mass, 10:30 a.m. Brunch and Program
University of St. Thomas (Chapel of Saint Thomas Aquinas), St. Paul
Please join Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Rector Father Michael Becker, seminarians and staff of Saint John Vianney College Seminary as we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A brunch and program to benefit SJV will follow the Mass in the Anderson Student Center (Woulfe Dining Room).
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more and register on the event page.
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