As we make our way through these unique and uncertain times, it seems appropriate to take a cautious step toward resuming the public celebration of Mass.  There has been a lot of controversy and expression of differing opinions, but the Bishops of Minnesota and Governor Walz have reached an agreement to allow this.  Please understand that this is not returning to our normal practice, but that there are some significant changes and restrictions in place.  Before explaining the new procedures, I kindly ask that you cooperate fully with the guidelines that follow 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. This will begin for the Feast of Pentecost, May 30^th and 31^st, 2020 and we will follow our regular weekend and weekly Mass schedule.  

• 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 – 100 in church; 45 in gym. HF – 50 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.
• All parishioners are strongly encouraged to wear masks.
• 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.
• Non-essential gatherings are suspended, including Children’s Liturgy of the Word, post-Mass social gatherings/refreshments (e.g., coffee & donuts), etc.
• 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

Check out our YouTube Channel for recorded songs from our musicians and cantors for the Ascension of the Lord; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuevregni4KWsYsx_n3Mfw?view_as=subscriber

UPDATE: Click here for the latest announcement from Bishop Quinn: https://www.dowr.org/img/statements/PublicWorshipStatement.pdf
You can also find the suggested protocols for resuming Mass as well as the Minnesota Department of Health's guidance for places of worship here; 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.

St. Joseph the Worker & Holy Family Cancelations and Updates:

• WEEKEND & DAILY MASSES: RESUMING MAY 30th
• FAITH FORMATION & LEARNING CENTERS: CANCELED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. Click here for from home options; /weekly-information-page
• FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION: POSTPONED AT THIS TIME
• Our Parish Office is NOW OPEN following our normal business hours.  

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