Another Step …
          As of June 10^th, we are taking another step in resuming the public celebration of Mass: Minnesota churches may now open to 50% capacity (or the number that can be safely accommodated with six feet of distance).  It bears repeating that this is not returning to our normal practice; some significant changes and restrictions remain in place.  Again, I kindly ask that you cooperate fully with our guidelines so that people are kept safe and we don’t have to take any steps backward.  If you are unable to do so, please refrain from joining us in person. 

• Those over age 65 are strongly encouraged not to attend, and anyone showing any symptoms of sickness, or anyone who has a household member who is sick or showing symptoms of sickness should not come to church. As much care as each parish has for your safety, individuals do put themselves at risk by attending Mass.
• Seating will be limited; please follow the stated limits set by your parish. (SJW – 150 in church; 45 in gym. HF – 75 in church; 48 in parish hall)
• Follow all posted signs concerning social distancing and sanitation requirements.
• Hand sanitizer is available at all church entrances and exits.
• Per the Minnesota mask mandate, those attending Mass are required to wear masks (those 5 and under are not required). Celebrants, lectors, and cantors are not required to do so, but may use them at their discretion
• Please do not engage in any physical touch, such as by greeting each other.
• All will be expected to cooperate with instructions from ushers, including using one-way traffic patterns.
• Collection baskets will not be passed by hand.  A basket for church support will be available at the entrance, but we encourage you to give electronically at sjwhf.org.
• Gatherings outside of Mass are permitted, with social distancing and at the following capacities: 50% for religious events such as Faith Formation and Bible studies, and 25% for social gatherings such as coffee and donuts and funeral luncheons. Events involving food must follow the appropriate guidance from the state of Minnesota, including Guidance for Gatherings: Faith-based Communities, Places of Worship, and Ceremonies. All gatherings inside church buildings must adhere to the state-wide mask mandate, and those attending gatherings outdoors must wear masks if social distancing of six feet cannot be maintained.
• There is to be no presentation of gifts.
• The Sign of Peace is omitted entirely.
• Parishioners are strongly encouraged to receive Communion on the hand.
• The faithful should be reminded that at this time no one is obliged to receive Communion, and that Christ is encountered in those gathered in his name, in the proclamation of the Word, and especially by joining themselves to the offering of Christ to God the Father during the Eucharistic Prayer. The benefits of Spiritual Communion should continue to be promoted.
• Communicants should be reminded to observe the 6-foot distance between themselves while in line to receive holy communion. Only one, single-file line is permitted to approach the minister, rather than two parallel lines. (HF – one side at a time; SJW – process up side aisles and return by way of center aisle)

+ AT SJW, ENTER BY WAY OF DOOR #7 (parking lot entrance); all other doors will remain locked.
+ AT HF, ENTER BY WAY OF NEW ENTRANCE (upper or lower level); all other doors will remain locked.
            Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.  Our sacrifices and inconveniences can be accepted, even embraced, out of love for our neighbor.
Father Tim Reker

UPDATE: Click here for the latest announcement from Bishop Quinn as well as the suggested protocols for resuming Mass and the Minnesota Department of Health's guidance for places of worship; https://www.dowr.org/statements/statements.html
Click here for new Decree-Dispensation from Bishop Quinn; /documents/2020/5/Decree%20-%20Dispensation%202%20-%20COVID-19-1.pdf

LIVE STREAMING MASS - Beginning Sunday, April 26, 2020, and continuing every Sunday until he can resume visiting the parishes, Bishop Quinn will offer Mass without a congregation at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. This Mass will be live-streamed and all are invited to join him. You can access the live-streamed Mass at the Diocese of Winona-Rochester Weekly Mass webpage, www.dowr.org/about/weekly-mass.html, where the links for viewing the live-stream will be posted for Facebook and YouTube.

HOW CAN WE HELP?
Please know that we are here for you during these challenging times and that you can rely on your parish family. Contact us if we can help in any way. Parish Office: 388-3766 or office @sjwhf.org 

Resources and links for you: 

• The Diocese of Winona-Rochester televises the Mass every Sunday on KEYC Channel 12 at 7:30am or KEYC -DT, Digital Channel 12.2 or Charter Channel 19 at 9:30am. 
• Diocese of Winona-Rochester streaming daily Mass: https://www.dowr.org/about/weekly-mass.html
• Daily Word on Fire Mass available on our home page; https://sjwhf.org/ 
• Vatican News Live Streaming Pope Francis Masses: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxIsefyl9g9A5SGWA4FvGIA/videos
• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: https://www.nationalshrine.org/mass/

Take advantage of the following resources being offerered for FREE during this time!

• Ascension Press; https://ascensionpress.com/pages/spiritual-guidance They also offer great resources through their Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/AscensionPress/
• Liturgical Press: Give Us This Day; https://giveusthisday.org/Digital
• Magnificat; https://us.magnificat.net/free
• Bayard: Living With Christ; http://www.livingwithchrist.us/#covid
• The Word Among Us; https://wau.org/meditations/

Access the Sunday Bulletin here: /bulletins

Updated: 3/30/20 at 1:30 pm