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Father Tom sends reminders about our joyful, careful return to Masses this weekend, while calling for reflection and prayers for peace in the aftermath of all the violence, pain, damage and death of the past week.

After a turbulent week, Archbishop Hebda and Father Tom shares updates to a slow, safe return to Masses at Saint John's.

Archbishop Hebda shares his thoughts on returning to Mass, and we continue planning and preparation for Saint John's eventual re-opening.

We have so much to be grateful for this Mother's Day weekend! First, let's be sure to honor the amazing mothers, grandmothers and matrons in our lives. Of course this includes our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary. Prayers to her are especially powerful this month.

Sign up for Easter Home Blessings | More news from Auction Season | Food Collection for the Poor is this weekend | Culver's Night to benefit Saint John's School | Pictorial Directory drive-up days | Pastoral Planning updates and Mass news from the Archdiocese | A video prayer from me, Father Tom

Many of you know that May is historically the month of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our mother. At Saint John's, we are elevating the Rosary via virtual, live-streamed offerings at 9:15 AM Fridays and 4:00 PM Saturdays via our Facebook site.

I continue to be amazed by the generosity we continue to see throughout these COVID-19 times. I was in the building yesterday as our school Boots & Bling Auction Committee was collecting payments and donations for the raffle, which I had the honor of blessing in the school's live-streamed event, and for the online auction that kicks off May 10.

As we enter the week of Divine Mercy, thanks to the many families who participated in our "Best Easter Dressed" image collection efforts last weekend. We love to hear from you and see your faces, even in these times of physical separation. Keep 'em coming! The week and a half since Easter Sunday has been filled with joy for me in so many subtle, small ways. Perhaps one of the best has been in considering our school children, who have been distancing learning now for nearly a month. Be sure to check out Principal Hurley’s column in this past weekend’s bulletin, and this e-newsletter for some exciting news about how the school’s very important fundraiser, the annual Boots & Bling auction, is kickin’ up it’s boot heels to the Internet this year.

This Easter is a particularly special one. While we have been sacrificing our regular routine and regular access to the Eucharist, we have been drawn closer to God, just as Jesus intended when he died and rose again three days later, ensuring a space in Heaven for all who desire it. Let us truly give thanks and praise to Him as we enter the Easter Vigil, coming out of the darkness of fear and self-despair, and truly into the light of a future in Christ Jesus. 

We are entering into Holy Week, perhaps a little shaky with all the changes to our typical reflection, but nonetheless full of faith and hope. It’s likely we are entering this week not unlike Christ did, shaking around on a donkey, anticipating the highs and lows of emotion yet to come. Here at Saint John’s, we have a number of updates to help support your spiritual journey today:

The success of our recent Strengthened in Faith Capital Campaign has put Saint John’s Parish in a position to pay off the existing mortgage. We hope to do that this summer, when the current financial uncertainty in our community settles down.

4:30 PM Saturday Mass will be streamed live via our Facebook page. Be sure to check it out, and get some more updates on church hours during "shelter in place."

Urbi et Orbi Blessing from Pope Francis will be broadcast live from Saint Peter's Square at noon (CDT) Friday, March 27. See the links to both the live broadcast and more information about the associated plenary indulgence here.

Father Tom provides updates on Church and Parish Office hours, ways to give back during this time of isolation, this weekend's hymns and music live (courtesy of Director of Liturgy and Music, Ryan Chimzar), and some amazing digital nuggets of spiritual and emotional hope.

We are actively attempting to update our website to best serve your needs during this important time of COVID-19 self-containment in our homes.

Father Tom is adjusting the liturgical schedule to be in full compliance of the guidelines provided to us by the Archdiocese. 

In this e-newsletter, you will find Saint John's plan addressing the increased risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Please note that we are basing all decisions balancing the requirements of the CDC and MDH, in accordance with directives of the Archdiocese. As things are changing hourly, this is the plan as of today, and it might change tomorrow: Alternatives to live Mass Weekly Giving: Now ONLINE! Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction Confessions Revised Parish Office Hours Pastoral Emergencies Health Resources

This post is actively being updated ... Ways to engage in a virtual faith community, offertory giving online and other prayer resources.

Watch Archbishop Hebda's video, and learn more about the Archdiocese approach to COVID-19.

The schedule here at the parish, information about future communication from me and some spiritual direction for this time.