Archbishop Hebda Suspended Masses: What Does this Mean for Saint John's?

In keeping with Archbishop Hebda's suspension yesterday (March 18) of all regularly scheduled public celebrations of the Mass throughout the Archdiocese for the next two weeks (see his letter here), Father Tom is adjusting the liturgical schedule to be in full compliance of the guidelines provided to us by the Archdiocese. The following are plans we will roll out immediately, and run for at least the next two weeks. After this point, depending on guidance from the Archbishop, further decisions will be communicated about ongoing plans.
 
MASS
Father Tom will privately pray the Mass for the previously determined daily Mass intentions, on behalf of the entirety of the parish. Please be assured of his spiritual care for each of you in this time. All parishioners are encouraged to pray at home, reflecting on the Scripture readings for the day and making an Act of Spiritual Communion. Additionally, we've shared links in previous emails and on our website, so you can find a virtual Mass to attend any day of the week. See that list of resources here.

WEEKLY GIVING
We still have operating costs and expenses to clean the buildings during this unprecedented time; your Offertory donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Parish Office (shortened hours, see below) or given online. For the safety and health of all, we recommend the mailing or online options. Click here to donate online.
 
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION & BENEDICTION
During this tumultuous time, the Archdiocese has given some leeway in how we can support the faithful outside of Mass, provided the anticipated attendance does not exceed 10 or more persons; extensive cleaning and sanitizing occurs daily; and persons in attendance maintain the 6-foot minimum social distancing practices. At Saint John's, we are committed to these requirements, and therefore are going to be able to offer more-frequent Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, following this schedule: Adoration will be offered 10:00-11:00 AM Monday through Saturday in the main church.
 
** Please note: If you come for Adoration, please practice social distancing per the guidelines of the Archdiocese by having no more than 10 people gathering at a time and sitting 6 feet apart from any other people. **
  
CONFESSIONS
Father Tom will continue to offer confessions during this same time, 10:00-11:00 AM Tuesday through Saturday, in the main church confessional. This might be the most challenging part of social distancing, and we ask that you act with patience and empathy as we maintain the 6-foot minimum distance.
 
** Please note: If you come for Confession, all penitents must utilize the privacy screen in the confessional. **
 
PARISH OFFICE
Parish staff continue to work on your behalf, and are available by email and voicemail to answer any questions or to assist you. Please note that for the time being, the parish office will be open 8:30 AM–12:00 PM Monday through Friday. 
 
PASTORAL EMERGENCIES
If there is a pastoral emergency, someone needs Anointing of the Sick or has died, please contact us on our emergency phone line at 651-206-2670. A member of the parish staff will respond to you as quickly as possible.
 

STAY HEALTHY
Through all of this, it is important that if you are feeling at all sick, you stay home. Your donation to the Collection Basket can be taken online, or wait a week. The Archbishop has granted dispensation for Sunday Mass until further notice. It is most essential you first be thinking of the health of yourself and your neighbors as we navigate these trying times.