Ascending to the Challenge of Our Times

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This past Thursday and this weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. As Jesus ascends into Heaven, he tells his followers to go and make disciples. He sends them out to the world to share his story, and he promises he will always be with them. Imagine, then, their surprise to see him lifted up and away to the clouds! They must have been filled with hope and maybe fear.

As many of you know, the Minnesota bishops have had a busy week. The hope and fear of those original disciples might be a very real shared feeling for many of them, and for many of us. How we each approach the challenging decisions ahead is both personal and completely subjective. As Catholics, we must approach each other first with love, and the graces of patience and compassion our Lord Jesus so greatly exemplified for us during his time on Earth.

Miraculously, the governor and the Archbishop were able to come to an agreement late in the week, and it's important to note that this renders some of the information in this week's bulletin out-of-date. The governor has agreed to slightly amended protocols that will allow for a return to Mass at no greater than 25% building capacity, provided all sanitation and social distancing protocols are followed stringently. Read the latest from the Archbishop here.

Here at Saint John’s, we continue to follow all Archdiocesan direction regarding a slow and safe return to Mass, and under the current guidance (which is always subject to change) we are prepared to begin daily Mass at 11:00 AM weekdays beginning Wednesday, May 27th, with our first weekend Masses at their previous regular times this upcoming Pentecost weekend. If you plan to attend any Masses, please see the updated guidelines below.

Please know we are evaluating daily the updates from the Archdiocese while putting together a very specific plan as to how we will do this safely; guidance is changing frequently, so please check our website calendar for the most recent updates. Keep in mind that the Archbishop's dispensation from Sunday Mass continues throughout this pandemic, so those most at risk or in regular contact with them should stay at home. The health of our most vulnerable is and must continue to be top of mind for all of us as we begin to gather again. We will continue to live-stream our 4:30 PM Saturday Masses throughout this transition.
 

Memorial Day & Summer Hours

Our parish office and church will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Mass will not take place in the Cemetery, but will be live-streaming from the church at 9:00 AM Monday. Please join us again on Facebook. Beginning May 26, we have new church, and parish and school office hours; see the details below:

Church hours (access from main (back) church doors only)
8:30 AM-Noon Mon.-Fri.
3:30-5:30 PM Sat.
8:00-9:30 AM & 10:00-11:30 AM Sun.

Parish Office hours (access through office doors off Little Canada Road)
8:30-Noon Mon.-Thu., May 26-August 

School Office summer hours (access through Gathering Space)
8:00 AM-1:00 PM Mon-Thu, June 1-July 2 and Aug. 3-28

Eagle Club hours (access through Eagle Club door off Little Canada Road)
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mon.-Fri., June 1-Aug. 28
 

Updates to Saint John’s Safe Return to Mass Plan

With permission of the Archdiocese given Saturday, May 23, we will open our Masses to no more than 25 percent capacity beginning with 11:00 AM daily Mass on Wednesday, May 27. Again, if you are for any reason uncomfortable, do not come to Mass. We plan to continue our live-stream of the 4:30 PM Saturday Masses indefinitely, and as mentioned, the dispensation from Sunday Mass also continues. 

What We’re Doing
The cleaning protocol we will follow to sanitize our worship space after every service is likely more rigorous than what you’ve seen in the stores you’ve frequented during the Stay in Place order. In an effort to maintain social distancing standards, you will see limited access points to the church, to ensure one-way flow of traffic. There is increased signage and greeter/usher presence to help maintain these best practices. Please be patient and diligent about following all of these guidelines, to ensure we can successfully continue forward. Staff continue to do the following to prepare for a safe return:

• Limiting access to the building to ensure one-way traffic flow, in compliance with the Archbishop’s direction.
• Encouraging anyone age 65 and older, any other vulnerable class, their caregivers and the sick to remain home.
• Training all our essential staff, ushers and volunteers on new protocol for flow of traffic and sanitation.
• Amending our Mass, service and meeting schedules to allow for cleaning/sanitation.
• Securing hand sanitizing stations at all access points.
• Posting signage to answer questions you might have.
• Committing to continued communication via our website regarding any updates to our schedule (daily), and as we’re able via the bulletin and e-newsletters. 

Before You Come
When you are ready to return to Mass, please ensure you take these precautions:

• Use the restroom (and have your entire family attempt to use the restroom) prior to departing for Mass.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for more than 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your face/eyes from the time you leave your house to the time you return.
• Consider bringing your own hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes; use these upon leaving your vehicle.
• Wear a face mask; the Archdiocese strongly recommends your entire family (ages 2+) be equipped with a mask as well. Put on these masks before exiting your vehicle.
• Enter the church from the main (back) doors only. Follow the instructions posted on the signage, and as directed to you by our ushers/greeters.

Learn more in our bulletin, or click here to view it online. Read more about the inherent risk of contracting  COVID-19 here.
 

News from the School

Principal Dan Hurley wants to extend a big thank-you to everyone who participated in the virtual Boots & Bling Auction this year. Early results suggest that--all told between the Fund-A-Need, Raffle and Auction--the school raised more than $88,000, more than we have raised in over a decade. Funds go directly back to Tuition Assistance, technology and operations expenses for next school year. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In this extraordinary end of the school year, Principal Hurley is hoping all of our school and parish members will consider attending the safe and socially distanced “graduation parade” for our eighth-graders, planned for 6:00 PM this Tuesday, May 26th. Safely position yourself (inside your car, or 6 feet apart with masks on if out) along the route, posted on the school website, and wave or share signs of congratulations as our eighth-graders parade past. 

Lastly, as the U.S. Congress continues to discuss COVID-19 aid, the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops is asking us to contact our members of Congress to ask for emergency aid to Catholic schools and families. Requests include:

• equitable access to K-12 federal funding for Catholic schools
• direct funding to families for tuition
• aid and tax breaks for K-12 tuition payments

Click on this link to take action to support Catholic education: Catholic Schools need your help! 
 

Giving in Challenging Times

Thank you for your continued giving to assist both our church and school with operational expenses. Did you know that there are special considerations regarding the CARE Act for donors like you? Check out this article for more information about the new benefits:
https://www.501c3.org/the-cares-act-increases-donation-tax-deductibility/

As you are able, there are three primary ways you can continue to give, even while we're are social distancing:

1. Give online through Vanco: There are quick-links active on our website’s homepage and Coronavirus sub-page now. Go to www.sjolc.org/giving
2. Mail your contribution to the Parish Office: 380 Little Canada Road, Little Canada, MN 55117
3. Drop check or cash off in the secure lock box at the Parish Office (between the front doors).

Thank you so much for your continued generosity. 

We continue our live-stream recitations of the Rosary throughout this last week in May, the month of Mary. Join us at 9:15 AM Friday, May 29th, and 4:00 PM Saturday, May 30th. Links can be found on our website, and click the image below to pray the second Glorious Mystery with me this week.

Peace,

Father Tom Balluff, pastor

Click here to pray the Rosary with Father Tom