The COVID-19 pandemic has been a painful time of separation that necessitated, for a short while, suspension of public Masses and the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass. Nonetheless, since May 2020, Minnesota’s bishops have made available the public celebration of Mass to those who wished to attend. Parishes have done an amazing job creating safe spaces for worship and the sacraments during the past year.
Now, as the pandemic subsides, and public gathering restrictions and safety protocols are lifted, it is time to gather as the Body of Christ once again. Therefore, the bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have decided to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning this weekend, July 3-4, 2021.
What does this mean for us at St. Hubert? We look forward to welcoming all of the faithful back at Masses beginning this weekend. As we gather, please consider the fact that there are varying comfort levels among our parishioners and guests.
This is especially important to acknowledge during the Sign of Peace. A wave or friendly smile can be offered in cases where one prefers not to shake hands. Please be respectful of our brothers and sisters and their preference in offering the sign of peace to those around them.
If you prefer to social distance during Mass and would like to sit apart from other parishioners, consider attending our 5:15 PM or 6:00 PM Mass, as those Masses tend to have lighter attendance than our Sunday morning Masses. Please let Brian Kloempken or one of the liturgical volunteers know if you’d like assistance with social distancing at Mass.
Coming back to St. Hubert July 3/4
Parishioners will process with and present the gifts (bread & wine) to the clergy. Please let an usher or liturgical volunteer know if you would like to present the gifts.
Collection baskets will be passed throughout the congregation
Sign of Peace will be offered
Singing of all Mass parts and hymns will return with full worship aids
Not Yet Returning
Holy Water in the Baptismal font
Distribution of the Precious Blood to the whole congregation
Other Details/Reminders
Seating in the church will be at full capacity
The Cry Room will be open
Livestreaming will continue for the Sunday 8:30 AM Mass, but will discontinue for daily Masses after this weekend.
Read about this decision, and find examples of special circumstances when a dispensation would still apply, in recent letters from Archbishop Hebda and the Minnesota bishops.