Thursday, June 4, 2020

The Mass Sign-up for Ss. Peter & Paul and St. Thomas has been updated and a new link has been set up.

In an attempt to seat more people at mass, we have set up a new seating arrangement. (This change is effective for St. Thomas beginning this weekend, June 6/7. This new arrangement will be implemented at Ss. Peter & Paul beginning next weekend, June 13/14.) 

Each pew will now be divided into an "A" side and a "B" side. When reserving your pew at a mass, if you have 3 or more people, please reserve both sides A and B of a row. If 2 people are signed up in side A, 1 person may sign up for side B. If 1 person is signed up in side A, side B can be reserved for 2 people. The pews will be labeled. Click Here for a St. Thomas seating chart with guidelines. (Please note that the 1st rows at St. Thomas will no longer be used and will not be labeled.)  

Click on Sign Up button to reserve seating at a mass.

Monday, June 1, 2020

A Message from Fr. Jenson:

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, 
 
We have all been through a most difficult time in recent months with the Covid-19 crisis and the recent civil unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul with much rioting and destruction.  In my homily on Sunday, I made mention of this after watching hours of news coverage and being quite shaken.  I spoke of what was happening in an inappropriate manner describing those who stirred up the violence as “spawn of Satan.”  This has been brought to my attention and I am quite apologetic for this statement.  I also failed to mention what had brought all this about, the brutal death of George Floyd.   
 
It is humbling to realize that I allowed myself to be so influenced by watching news coverage at great length, something I have discouraged others from doing.  I want you to know that I am truly sorry for what I said and pray that it has not injured your ability to handle what is going on and being charitable and prayerful in your response to it.  I hope and pray that I will be a better spiritual leader for you in the days ahead.  
 
Let us pray for a true and just outcome for the tragedy in which George Floyd lost his life in Minneapolis while in the hands of the police.  I had mentioned privately to someone that it seemed quite hard to explain how that could have happened in all justice.  My homily did not reference that.  My fault.   I apologize.  May our dear Lord help this situation to be brought to a just conclusion that helps to bring lasting peace. 
 
Fr. Glen  

 

Friday, May 29, 2020

New Cutoff Time Set for Signing Up for a Mass

We plan to have a seating chart at the entrance to church for each mass in case anyone forgets their seat assignment. We have found that the best practice is to print out the seating chart for a mass the day before so it can be in the church vestibule for reference in time for the mass. To do this, we set the cutoff for one day before in the scheduling program; but because of limitations with the Signup Genius, the cutoff date actually ends up being 2 days before the mass (i.e., to sign up for a Tuesday morning mass, the cutoff has to be on Sunday evening).  So please keep this in mind when planning on attending a certain mass.

Click on Sign Up button to reserve seating at a mass.

Communion Scheduling

For those who are not comfortable attending a public mass or are unable to attend a public mass, Father will continue offering Communion on the same days and times as he has been—Sundays 11:30am-12 noon, Wed-nesdays 7-7:30pm, and Saturdays 2:30-3pm. To sign up for a 5-minute slot, please click here. If you do not have internet, you can contact the Parish Office to get scheduled.
 

Friday, May 22, 2020

From Fr. Jenson:
 
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
 
I bring you news of great joy!  Archbishop Hebda has decided to move ahead with larger numbers of people than just ten being allowed to attend mass.  Effective this Tuesday, the 26th, we will be enlarging the Sign Up Genius for masses.  Currently, only ten people can sign up for weekday mass at St. Thomas.  When you go on the Sign Up Genius to sign up to attend a mass, you will find all the possible slots available.  You may then sign up your whole household for one pew. This will allow up to several dozen people to attend mass.  The pews have been numbered at St. Thomas as we began daily masses for just ten people this week.  Pews will be numbered at Ss. Peter and Paul before next weekend’s mass.  We will make 1/3 of the pews available with two empty pews between each available pew as social distancing rules are still to be observed.  Please be patient through the weeks as we work toward possibly setting up more complex seat assignments to fit more people in church. Face masks are encouraged. 
 
Beginning next weekend May 30/31, we will add back a Saturday evening mass.   Currently we have mass only on Sunday at 10:00AM.  Now we will have a mass at 4:30PM at the church which will not have the Sunday morning mass which is live-streamed.  The Saturday mass time will remain at 4:30PM regardless of which of our churches it is held at.  That means that next Saturday, May 30th, we will have a 4:30PM mass at Ss. Peter and Paul as the 10:00AM mass will be at St. Thomas.  The next week the Saturday evening mass will be at St. Thomas and rotate between churches as the Sunday mass does.  We will continue to live-stream mass on Sundays for those who do not yet feel safe to come into a group of people for an extended period of time as we do for mass.  Communion will still be able to be received outside of the rectory as well.  We will add more weekend masses back as we see that people are feeling safe to come to church in numbers that these two masses cannot accommodate.  Full sanitizing and social distancing protocols will continue to be observed, and again, face masks are encouraged. 
 
For those over age 65 or whose health is compromised, you are still encouraged to remain at home and watch the streamed mass and sign up for communion outside the rectory. However, the choice is yours.  If you would like to attend mass, I would encourage you to bring your mask.  
 
This is a most welcome development for us all.  I encourage you to watch our website and Flocknote emails for any further developments as there will no doubt be some, and especially when more masses will be added on the weekend.   The Lord is watching over us and will lead us out of this darkness into the light of full day once again.  God bless you for your patience and firm belief in our Lord Jesus Christ during these very strange days.
 
Fr. Glen Jenson

Click on Sign Up button to reserve seating at a mass.

Friday, May 15, 2020

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Changes Coming...

Spam Problems Again!

Confession Time Changes:

May 3 Mass - Live-Streaming Issues

More Easter Communion Slots Open

Friday, May 1, 2020

• Annual Rosary Procession - This Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m.  
  Watch the live stream on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cathedral
  saintpaul/ . The worship guide will be posted on this site prior to the event. For more information, visit MinnesotaRosaryProcessions.org.  
   
• Liturgical Ministers - We need to set up a schedule for summer so it is ready when Masses start up again. Please enter into your web terminal—before Wednesday, May 13,  the dates you will not be available to serve for the months of June, July, and August; or contact the Parish Office before May 13 to let us know your unavailable dates. Thank you.
   
• Mother's Day Spiritual Bouquet Cards are out at Ss. Peter & Paul. The Sunday morning, May 10th, Live-Streaming Mass at Ss. Peter & Paul will be offered for the intentions of the Spiritual Bouquet Cards.
   
• Reminder - Pope Francis has highly recommended praying the Rosary each day as a family during the month of May and has shared two prayers that he is asking us to pray at the end of each rosary this entire month.  Click here for the two prayers.
   
• CROSS, which is a food bank, is starting a new service to help seniors get food.  The seniors call into Cross their need and Cross puts together groceries for them and delivers to their home. If you know of seniors who could use this service, please give them the information.  No senior should go without food when we have the resources.  They can call CROSS Services (763) 425-1050

Thursday, April 30, 2020

PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Friday, May 1, is the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker. Pope Pius XIII composed a St. Joseph prayer fitting for our pandemic. Those who pray it may obtain a partial indulgence:

To You, O Blessed Joseph

Pope Pius XIII Aug. 20, 1885
“A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g. Ad te, beate Ioseph).” Apostolic Penitentiary, The Manual of Indulgences (trans. of Enchridion Indulgentiarum: Normae et Concessiones). Washington, DC: US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2006, pp. 63-64.

To you, O Blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by His Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ. O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

• Also this Friday at 2pm, the President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Gomez, will consecrate the country to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, during this pandemic. You can watch and pray along via this link.

• At 2pm Sunday, May 3, Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Cozzens will preside at our annual Rosary Procession, which this year will be a private celebration live-streamed from the Cathedral. The statue of Our Lady of Fatima will be crowned, and Archbishop Hebda will also consecrate our Archdiocese to the Mary, Mother of the Church. Find the worship guide and video here.

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

From Fr. Jenson:

The Bishops of the United States have decided to reconsecrate our country to our Lady this Friday, May 1st.  The bishops of Canada are doing the same.  This reconsecration will be to our Lady as Mother of the Church for help and healing during the pandemic.  There are more details in the Catholic Spirit; click here to check their website for this important development.  Mary is our most helpful intercessor.  She will always help us to come closer to her son.  The month of May is dedicated to her honor and hence the Bishops have chosen May 1st as the day to reconsecrate our country to her.  

The Hail Holy Queen prayer, which concludes the rosary, would be a very appropriate prayer to say every day during the Month of May.  May our Lady, Mother of the Church, pray for us!


Notes for Month of May

• Live-Streaming Mass from St. Thomas the Apostle this Sunday, May 3, @ 10:00 AM. Scroll to top of this page and click on the rotating banner relevant to the live-streaming mass.

• To sign up to receive Holy Communion once during the Easter Season, scroll to the top of this page and click on the rotating banner titled EASTER COMMUNION OR you can click on the Sign Up button below. Please note that in order to sign up, you must be a registered parishioner of Ss. Peter & Paul or St. Thomas the Apostle. 
  
  Also, Fr. Jenson wants to emphasize that the archbishop has said people can sign up for communion once during the Easter season. This is a good idea because some parishioners are still finding out about this opportunity and we want to make sure everyone that wants to has a chance to sign up. Please do not sign up for more than one communion visit until after Pentecost. Thank you.

Requirements for Holy Communion:

• Be in full doctrinal communion with the Catholic Church (assent to all Her authentic teachings).

• Have sacramentally confessed all mortal sins.

• Have fasted for at least one hour from food or beverage (besides water) before receiving.

Preparation:

• It is recommended that the faithful diligently prepare themselves in order to approach the Paschal Sacrament with a pure conscience and a fervent disposition. 

• Prayerful preparation may involve, for example, viewing the Mass by live-stream, the meditation on the daily Gospel, or the recitation of the Holy Rosary.

• Immediately prior to your appointment time, 

  • Make an Act of Contrition and recite the Our Father. 

  • NOTE: Those who have viewed a live-streamed Mass immediately prior to receiving Holy Communion need not repeat these prayers.  

• Pope Francis requested that we pray the Rosary every day of May. Please click here to watch a video discussing the importance of the Rosary and how devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary can help us grow in our discipleship of Jesus Christ.

• Pope Francis asked us to temporarily add to the end of the Rosary, for the month of May, two prayers. Please click on the link below for more information and for the two prayers.

  https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-urges-catholics-to-unite-through-praying-the-rosary-in-may-27127

• Join with Archbishop José Gomez, president of the USCCB, on Friday at 2pm (Central) for a brief liturgy--find details, including English and Spanish liturgy guides, and the livestream link here:

https://www.archspm.org/praying-together-renewing-our-consecration-to-mary/
 

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Update on Holy Communion Sign-Up for Easter Season

Please note that in order to sign up for the one-time Communion during the Easter Season, you must be a registered parishioner of Ss. Peter & Paul or St. Thomas the Apostle. Thank you.
 

Step Repair at Ss. Peter & Paul Church Began This Morning

Shingobee builders began fixing the in-floor heat in the front steps of Ss. Peter & Paul church this morning, April 22nd. This fix will take at least two weeks - maybe three.  They will be tearing out the treads between the top and bottom landing and pouring new cement.  As a result, beginning today if you come to the church for adoration or confession, please use the side entry. Adorers may park in the handicapped parking area by the playground. We apologize for the short notice. It was supposed to start next week, but we had a sudden change in plans with the company.

QUARANTINE WITH +COZZENS: CONVERSATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS:

Young adults are invited to join Bishop Andrew Cozzens and Vincenzo Randazzo from the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life, on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. for a
#FacebookLive and #YouTubeLive streamed conversation. Young Adults from our community are encouraged to join.  For details, to sign up for updates, and submit questions to the conversation, visit the event page.

THIS YEAR’S ROSARY PROCESSION GOES LIVESTREAM:

Though the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Decree makes it impossible to gather this year for the 72nd annual Rosary Procession, Archbishop Hebda and Bishop Cozzens will be livestreaming the event from the Cathedral of St. Paul 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3. Tune in, download a worship guide, and find more info on the event page. Contact MNRosaryProcessions@gmail.com with questions.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

The World Day of Prayer for Vocations will be observed on May 3, 2020. The purpose of this observance is to publicly fulfill the Lord's instruction to, "Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest" (Mt 9:38, Lk 10:2). As a climax to a prayer that is continually offered throughout the Church, it affirms the primacy of faith and grace in all that concerns vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life. While appreciating all vocations, the Church concentrates its attention this day on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), to the Religious life in all its forms (male and female, contemplative and apostolic), to societies of apostolic life, to secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life, in particular sense of mission. "ad gentes".  2020 marks the 57th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.
 

**Please click the BOLD for the links to the resources...

• Reflection of Reading for Mass

Magnificat:  During this challenging time, many of the faithful are unable to attend Mass. Magnificat is honored to provide complimentary access to its online version to help people pray from home.

Formed.org:  Catholic Movies/Videos for adults & kids, Catholic Studies, Audio and E-Books

• Go to www.formed.org
• Click on Sign Up
• Select I belong to a Parish or Organization
• Under Find your Parish or Organization, enter our parish cluster code:  e223ff
• Ss. Peter & Paul will come up—click on it
• Click Next
• Enter your name and email address
• Click on Sign Up

Formed.org:  Catholic Movies/Videos for adults & kids, Catholic Studies, Audio and E-Books

• Go to www.formed.org
• Click on Sign Up
• Select I belong to a Parish or Organization
• Under Find your Parish or Organization, enter our parish cluster code:  e223ff
• Ss. Peter & Paul will come up—click on it
• Click Next
• Enter your name and email address
• Click on Sign Up

Catholic Kids 101

 

For Ss. Peter & Paul / St. Thomas the Apostle live-streaming Mass on Sundays, click on the relevant banner at top of this webpage.

For Daily Mass on Relevant Radio, click here.

An Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, 
I believe that You
are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love You above all things, 
and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment
receive You sacramentally, 
come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
 
 

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Adoration will begin in Ss. Peter & Paul Church this Tuesday, March 24th, from 8am to 4pm - barring further restrictions from the government and the archdiocese. It will go from Tuesday through Friday each week during those times.

For those who are not signed up for an hour, please remember - if you decide to drop in to visit our Lord during these hours, no more than 10 people can be allowed in the church. When you see someone come in that would push us over the limit, if you have been there for awhile, please leave so they can come in and have time before our Lord, too.

For health reasons, please sit no closer than every 3rd pew. Father is asking that each person sign in with their own pen or pencil. Please use hand sanitizer before you enter into the church and as you leave. Everything in church will be sanitized each morning before Adoration begins.
 

March 19, 2020
An adorer has recommended this website for live-streaming Adoration.
 

March 18, 2020
Dear Adorers,

Our Lady of Loretto Chapel will be closed effective Wednesday, March 18^th, at 7:00 P.M due to concerns with the coronavirus.  The Eucharist will be removed from the chapel.  We are asking that you do not go there to pray.  Our church will be opened at certain times to pray, and the Eucharist will be in the tabernacle in church.  Please check the parish website for updated information on this.  Please be willing to return to your time slot when our chapel reopens. 

We ask that you would prayerfully consider setting aside the hour you usually adore Our Lord and pray to Him during that hour.  If you cannot do that time, please pray sometime during your scheduled day for one hour.  We are sure Jesus will be very pleased that we have not forgotten Him. 

Please try to pray the rosary and the Chaplet of Mercy every day so that we can combat this virus.  Many prayers are needed at this time so that chapels can reopen and masses can be celebrated once more.  Hopefully this situation will bring us all closer to God. 

God Bless,
Our Lady of Loretto Core Team 

March 14, 2020
Due to concerns regarding the coronavirus, we are taking additional steps to protect our adorers:

• Please wash your hands in the chapel bathroom with antibacterial soap before entering the chapel, using paper towels to dry.
• Disinfecting wipes are available for wiping the chair arms and the arm rest of the kneeler.

• Letter from Archdiocese about LITANY in TIME of NEED Prayer
• LITANY in TIME of NEED Prayer

• Litany of Trust - written by the Sisters of Life

• From the Little Sisters of the Poor:

• All Masses
• Religious Education 
• Lenten Mission
• Ss. Peter & Paul Ham Bingo
• St. Thomas Ham Bingo
• CUF Annual Easter Egg Hunt
• Stations of the Cross

• You need someone to pick up supplies or prescriptions for you
• You know of someone who would like the bulletin mailed to them weekly

Friday, April 17, 2020

Message from Fr. Jenson:

RE:  Scheduling Communion during Easter

Requirements for Holy Communion:

• Be in full doctrinal communion with the Catholic Church (assent to all Her authentic teachings).
• Have sacramentally confessed all mortal sins.
• Have fasted for at least one hour from food or beverage (besides water) before receiving.

Preparation:

• It is recommended that the faithful diligently prepare themselves in order to approach the Paschal Sacrament with a pure conscience and a fervent disposition. 
• Prayerful preparation may involve, for example, viewing the Mass by live-stream, the meditation on the daily Gospel, or the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
• Immediately prior to your appointment time, 
  • Make an Act of Contrition and recite the Our Father. 
  • NOTE: Those who have viewed a live-streamed Mass immediately prior to receiving Holy Communion need not repeat these prayers.  

Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020

From Fr. Jenson

During these uncertain days when many have been laid off, urgent needs can arise for people while they try to reach out for assistance. If you know of anyone who could use a meal, please contact the parish office. Thank you.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

From Fr. Jenson:

The effects of the coronavirus, a crown of thorns for us all, are far reaching in everyone’s lives.  I pray that each of us is beginning to find ways not only to mitigate the negative effects but also to find new ways to live life meaningfully, lovingly, and faithfully.  

As I contemplate my Easter gift to church, I am so grateful for all of you.  My gratitude for you all is reflected in the sense of missing seeing you.  As the green reflective vest I wear to work the crosswalk at St. Thomas gathers dust in the sacristy there, I find I kinda miss that more than I thought I would.  It’s funny how what can seem like a small thing can take on so much greater meaning when it isn’t there or can’t be done anymore.

If you can remember your parish for Easter in some way which reflects your ability to do so given that so many are out of work now, that will be most appreciated.  God bless you and all your family this Eastertime!  Amen!
 

Tuesday, April 7, 2020 (Holy Week)

• Please join us virtually as we live-stream Easter Sunday Mass at each parish. Instructions are above, just click on the video you want to watch at the time it is scheduled to start on Sunday. (Note the time change for St. Thomas)

• Our Archdiocese has forwarded a message from Archbishop Gomez from Los Angeles asking us all to join together in praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart on Good Friday at 11am our time. Click here for instructions for joining in and click here for the words to the Litany. We have also attached the Litany in case you'd like to print it off.

• Remember the Divine Mercy Novena begins this Friday (Good Friday) and ends on Saturday, April 18 - the day before Divine Mercy Sunday. You can click here to view it online, and click here if you'd rather print it off. Also, we do have the brochures at the back of both churches.

• Remaining Adoration times this week: (*Note extended hours)

  • Wednesday, 8am to 4pm

  • Holy Thursday, 8am to 8pm*

  • Good Friday, 8am to 4pm

  • Holy Saturday, 8am to 4pm*

  • Easter Sunday, 9:30am to 12 noon*

• Remaining Confession times this week:

  • Tonight - Tuesday, 6:30-7:30pm......Ss. Peter & Paul

  • Wednesday: 

    • 8-8:30am...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 12-12:30pm.......................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 3:30-4pm...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 6:30-7:30pm......................St. Thomas the Apostle

  • Holy Thursday:

    • 8-8:30am...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 12-12:30pm.......................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 3:30-4pm...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

  • Good Friday:

    • 8-8:30am...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 12-12:30pm.......................Ss. Peter & Paul

    • 3:30-4pm...........................Ss. Peter & Paul

No Confessions on Holy Saturday
 

Friday, April 3, 2020

This weekend's bulletin was done in-house, so it has the very latest information. Click here to see the bulletin. Especially important to read immediately is Father's article and the article about how we are distributing palms this weekend. Because of guidelines set out by the archdiocese, we need to distribute the palms differently than what we had mentioned in last weekend's bulletin. Ss. Peter & Paul's will be distributed Saturday evening - 5:30-6pm, and St. Thomas on Sunday morning, 11-11:30am.

Also in the bulletin, note the extended Adoration times during Holy Week, and many more opportunities for Confession have been added.

The Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday, April 10th. If you don't have the brochure, here is the website you can go to to pray it: online: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/novena-13366. 

Remember to keep checking our website for any updates. We pray that everyone is staying well!  God bless!

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

From Fr. Glen:

As we prepare for Holy Week, we are making preparations for our parishes. Currently, we have both churches open for confessions which allows for visits to the churches whether or not you are seeking confessions.  When the Archbishop says what will be allowed during Holy Week come this Friday, April 3rd, if public services are not going to be allowed at all during Holy Week, we will roll out what we will be doing for Holy Week up on our website!  

Blessed Palms:  This weekend being Palm Sunday weekend, we will have blessed Palms at both of our churches.  You can come to pick up a palm when the churches are open for confession.   Saturday morning, St. Thomas will be open from 9:00-10:30AM.  Ss. Peter and Paul will be open from 12:30-2:00PM.  If you cannot make it to your parish church at those times, you can go to the other church when it is open.  Any palms not claimed on Saturday can be picked up when either church is open for confession during Holy Week until they are gone!

The Our Lady of Loretto adoration chapel coordinators are calling our registered adorers to see if we can have adoration at Ss. Peter and Paul church open additional days during Holy Week.  It is my hope if public services cannot be offered to our parishioners, that we can have adoration and confession available all during Holy Week.  We might even be able to have each church open for a time on Easter Sunday!  It all depends on what the Archbishop says can be done during these unusual times as adoration is not normally permitted on Good Friday or Holy Saturday.  If we can have our churches open on Easter Sunday, the limit of ten people must be observed!  We have sanitizer at the entry of both churches and in the confessionals.  Please do not stay too long if more people keep coming in while you are there.  

Attention:  For us to keep our churches open for visits with the Lord, it is essential that you observe and comply with the signage in the entryways!  Please sanitize your hands upon entering church, either one, as well as doing so when you leave so that the doorknobs are safe for others.  We have sanitizer in the confessionals at each church, too.  Please use it as you leave so that the doorknobs on the confessionals are safe as well.  If everyone sanitizes their hands as they enter and leave church, and as they leave the confessional, both of our churches will be safe for people to come and be with the Lord!  This depends on your cooperation and there can be no exceptions!

Something to think about:   You might be wondering about all the extra confession times as we won’t be celebrating Easter in church as usual.   Why would one want to go, therefore?   Here is something for you to think about.  All the other sacraments are withdrawn from us due to urgent health reasons.  I know that our God is loving.  I hope that you think so as well.  Confession is the only sacrament that we can safely make available in our two parishes at this time, and for some time yet to come.  I hope that you join me in believing that our dear Lord Jesus will make special graces available for those who receive the Sacrament of Confession to compensate for not being able to come to mass or receive communion.  So many scarcely ever use this sacrament anymore.  Perhaps through this pandemic time, Jesus will be showing us how important confession really is and how many graces come to us through a thoughtful confession sincerely made.  Food for thought.

 

• From the Little Sisters of the Poor:

During Portugal’s 1974 Carnation Revolution Our Lady said to Sister Lucia,

“When a million families pray the rosary, the revolution will end.”
 

What if a million families joined hands NOW to pray the rosary for a cure to the coronavirus?

Please  click here and join us in praying the rosary everyday for an end to this pandemic!

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Virtual Small Group Study
RSVP by 9pm tonight (Tuesday, March 31)

Starting next week we are going to begin small group faith studies from home! We will begin with the formed series called “Lectio: Prayer” by Dr. Tim Gray! This 6-session course will consist of watching Dr. Tim Gray’s lecture, optional homework and personal prayer time, as well as online meetings with the group for discussion, all from the comfort of your home!

If you would like to join in our study, please email Karyn and Francis Schneider at karynschneider@live.com by Tuesday, March 31st, at 9:00pm.
 

From Fr. Jenson:

Like those who have been laid off as businesses are closed, the parish cluster has had its support from her members cut off.  Our two parishes currently have almost no income.  If you can still give support to your parish, that would be most appreciated. I hope that many will take advantage of online giving as that ensures that your parish always receives your support even when you’re on vacation, when we can go on vacation again!  If you can, do what you can. If you prefer to fill out a hard copy to sign up for online giving, please click on this link for a form you can print out and mail to us - Attn: Brook Sullivan.

For those who are without work, this may simply not be possible.  In that circumstance, I would simply ask that you pray for your parish!  That will do great things for us!

God bless!
 

Adoration continues 8am to 4pm Tuesday through Friday in Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Also, each day there are confessions when adoration begins from 8:00-8:30AM, and before it ends from 3:30-4:00PM.  

We will finalize our plans for Holy Week after we hear from the archdiocese on what the guidelines will be. We should know all of this on Friday and will include those plans in the weekend Flocknote.

Remember to mark your calendar for the archdiocesan Virtual Holy Week Retreat beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday. To get the information and the complete schedule, please click here.
 

Saturday, March 28, 2020

While our staff is working from home and our offices are closed, if you have any questions for any of our staff members, please continue to reach out to them during normal business hours, either by phone or email, and they will respond to you in a timely manner. Of course, follow the usual protocol if you are in need of a priest. 
 

Message from Fr. Glen

I would like to thank all of our faithful parishioners for their financial support of the parishes.  I am truly grateful for your support.  Your past gifts have sustained our parishes for the past decades!  Please keep the parishes not only in your prayers, but if you are able, please continue to support us financially during this difficult time.  We continue to operate and have financial obligations.  Please donate via our website or simply mail in your normal Sunday envelope.  I pray our Masses resume very soon and this pandemic crisis comes to an end.

God bless you,
Fr. Glen


Virtual Small Group Study

Feeling lost? Confused? Wondering what you are going to do with some extra time off of work or school? Perhaps you are wondering how you will get through this extended time at home... is there a way to socialize without spreading germs? Is there a way to fulfill the human need for community and feed the deep longings and wondering of our souls from our homes? 

“I found myself wondering what I was going to do with all this time at home... was I going to watch my favorite TV shows in order to simply pass the time or was God GIVING me this time for a reason? In this time, more than usually I feel the need to stay close to God! To know Him, love Him, and to trust in His divine will.” -Karyn Schneider 

Starting next week we are going to begin small group faith studies from home! We will begin with the formed series called “Lectio: Prayer” by Dr. Tim Gray! This 6-session course will consist of watching Dr. Tim Gray’s lecture, optional homework and personal prayer time, as well as online meetings with the group for discussion, all from the comfort of your home! Skills needed to participate: know how to navigate the formed.org website and your email. If you would like to join in our study, please email Karyn and Francis Schneider at karynschneider@live.com by Tuesday, March 31st, at 9:00pm.

Dates and times for small group meeting will be decided according to the needs of the members of the group. This study is open to all ages! Groups may be broken up by common interests or age depending on how many are interested.

Virtual Holy Week Retreat
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The archdiocese is offering a Virtual Holy Week Retreat beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Holy Saturday. To get the information and the complete schedule, please check the insert in the attached bulletin, or go to our website (www.saintsppta.org) and click on the large Virtual Holy Week Retreat banner in the header when it comes up in the rotation.

 

Friday, March 27, 2020

Special Note:  MAGNIFICAT Way of the Cross @ 3:30 Central time with "Father Rocky" on Relevant Radio. Click here and follow in the MAGNIFICAT Holy Week issue on page 167.

Message from Fr. Glen:

We will have confessions at each of our cluster parishes this Saturday - at St. Thomas from 9:00-10:30AM and at Ss. Peter and Paul from 12:30-2:00PM. 
 
We will have confessions in the evenings at both parishes - Tuesday at Ss. Peter and Paul from 6:30PM to 7:30PM and Wednesday at St. Thomas from 6:30-7:30PM
 
There will be no adoration Saturday through Monday.   Adoration will resume in church next Tuesday through Friday.  Each of those days it will go from 8:00AM to 4:00PM.   Hand sanitizer is at the church entrance and in the confessional on the penitent’s side.  Please be sure to use it when entering and leaving the church and the confessional.
 
Also, each of those four days next week there will be confessions when adoration begins from 8:00-8:30AM, and before it ends from 3:30-4:00PM.

As Holy Week draws close, his holiness the Pope has given an additional way to receive a Plenary Indulgence.  Usually one needs to go to mass and confession, be free from attachment to sin in your heart and pray a devotion such as the rosary, chaplet of Divine Mercy or other prayers for the Pope’s intentions.  While one can still go to confession in our parishes, mass is not available.  Therefore, for the duration of this health crisis, one can substitute watching a mass on tv to be able to receive a plenary indulgence - a very appropriate adaptation given this situation.
 
If you receive the Catholic Spirit, the cover picture for this week’s issue is quite something.  It shows the archbishop saying mass in the empty cathedral.  It is a very good visual for the whole situation we are living through!  Each day we just need to remember - with the Lord Jesus, our Good Shepherd, we will all make it through this!

God bless!

 

Thursday, March 26, 2020

Message from Fr. Glen:

As I am sure everyone has heard, the governor has asked people to stay home as much as possible.  The “Shelter at Home” decree he issued, which begins tomorrow night at midnight, amounts to just that.  So far, no additional businesses are being asked to close.  We must all be careful and attentive to our personal safety and that of our family. 
 
At this time, we are canvasing our Eucharistic Adorers to see if they are willing to continue to come to church for adoration at Ss. Peter and Paul in Loretto.  We will know by tomorrow if that is the case.  By tomorrow we should have heard something from the Archbishop, which would indicate if he will impose any further restrictions on what we can do at church.  If no further restrictions are imposed and our adorers continue to be willing to come to church, adoration and confessions will continue next week and Holy Week as we are doing it currently.  If adoration can continue, I will add further times for confession for Holy Week.
 
From my observations, even with confession now offered during adoration, there are never more than a few people in church, and they are well spaced. Of course, if you are uncomfortable leaving home, you are under no obligation to visit church for adoration or confession.  I plan to go grocery shopping tomorrow. I realize that to check out I may not be able to maintain a full six feet from the checkout person.  We will do what we can for the faith just as we do for groceries and other essential supplies.  We do have hand sanitizer at the entry to church and disinfectant wipes in the confessional.  Please stay six feet or further from anyone else in church.  If we use our heads and are thoughtful, the church is no more dangerous to be in than in a store, arguably less so as we don’t have to check out in church and hand money or credit cards to another person as we do at a store!
 
We will update this tomorrow to see if the Archbishop has anything more to say.  If adoration can continue, we will have it Holy Week as well so that we can at least do something for those most holy days of the Christian year.  Maybe even Easter Sunday in lieu of mass!  Stay tuned!  Be not afraid my brothers and sisters.  Jesus our Good Shepherd is with us and will be watching over us.  Psalm 23 is perfect during these days!  Also, the Litany in Time of Trouble that the Archbishop has asked us to pray is so helpful as well.  See prayer resources we have put on our website for these and other aids for prayer.

Today and tomorrow we have confessions during adoration from 8:00-8:30AM and 3:30-4:00PM.  Saturday, as last weekend, we will have confessions at St. Thomas from 9:00-10:30AM and at Ss. Peter and Paul from 12:30-2:00PM. 
 

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Message from Fr. Glen:

Governor Walz has declared that effective this Friday, March 27^th at Midnight, we will go into shelter in place.  The full implications of this will become clear in the news in the next two days.  Unless there are further declarations from the governor or the Archbishop, all currently scheduled activities such as adoration and confession will continue through Friday.  This is not an unexpected development in light of the situation in this country with the coronavirus. 

Yesterday we posted the longer version of the Serenity Prayer on our website.  Praying that will prove helpful in maintaining calm and making good decisions in the coming days.  God is with us!  Do not be afraid.  If we believe in God, then trust in Him.

In Christ,
Fr. Glen

Remaining Scheduled Confessions -

• 6:30-7:30pm....................Tonight (Wed., March 25) @ St. Thomas
• 8-8:30am & 3:30-4pm....Thursday @ Ss. Peter & Paul
• 8-8:30am & 3:30-4pm....Friday @ Ss. Peter & Paul
• 9-10:30am.......................Saturday @ St. Thomas
• 12:30-2pm.......................Saturday @ Ss. Peter & Paul

• 8am-4pm......Thursday
• 8am-4pm......Friday

Join the Marriage, Family & Life Office as we unite our prayers with Pope Francis:

1. A WORLDWIDE BLESSING on FRIDAY ~ 6 pm Rome Time (12 noon our time)

The Holy Father will preside over a moment of prayer on the sagrato of St Peter’s Basilica, the platform at the top of the steps immediately in front of the façade of the Church. “I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication”, he said. 

The ceremony will consist in readings from the Scriptures, prayers of supplication, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; and will conclude with Pope Francis giving the Urbi et orbi Blessing, with the possibility of gaining a plenary indulgence for all those who listen to it live through the various forms of communication. The blessing “to the City [of Rome] and to the World” is normally only given on Christmas and Easter.

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

This Wednesday, March 25^th, is the solemn feast of the Annunciation which we also honor in the 1^st Joyful Mystery of the Rosary.  Be sure to offer the Joyful Mysteries this Wednesday in honor of this beautiful feast of our Lady!  If you pray the rosary again on that day, then the Glorious Mysteries usually prayed on Wednesdays could be prayed.
 
In addition to the scheduled confession times Father has set up on Saturdays and the two weekday evenings (see March 19 message located in Archives tab), he is going to add some times during Adoration at Ss. Peter & Paul. Starting this week, he will have confessions on Thursdays and Fridays, 8-8:30am and 3:30-4pm.

If you received the March 22nd bulletin via snail mail this week, it means we do not have an email address for you in our parish database. If you do have an email address, please send it to the Parish Office so that you can instead receive it electronically through our Flocknote emails. This will help keep down the cost of postage. Thank you.

Cody has added a tab called Virtual Programming in this section. He will be changing it weekly, if not daily, so it is important to check in each day for new content.

We have a growing list of volunteers ready to help the elderly by running errands for them, delivering groceries, prescriptions, etc. If you know of anyone who needs help, please let the Parish Office know. Thanks.

NEW:  
Pope Francis has announced a request to pray the “Our Father” on the Annunciation.
This Wednesday, March 25th,at 12 noon on the feast of the Annunciation, he has invited “the Heads of the Churches and the leaders of every Christian community, together with all Christians of the various confessions, to invoke the Almighty, the omnipotent God, to recite at the same time the prayer that Jesus, our Lord, taught us - the Our Father.  He will pray this at 12 noon Rome time (Rome is six hours ahead of us so 6am here) but has asked us to say this at 12noon Wednesday wherever we are.  
 
The Holy Father is also giving a special Urbi et Orbi blessing ("to the city and to the world" usually only done on Christmas and Easter) on Friday, March 27th at 12 noon Minnesota time.  He will preside over a moment of prayer on the steps of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  The area around St. Peter's will be empty, but millions will join in by watching or listening through Internet, TV, or radio.  “I invite everyone to participate spiritually through the means of communication”, he said.   Check the Vatican website, EWTN or your favorite Catholic broadcaster to tune in. 

Sunday, March 22, 2020

Adoration will begin in Ss. Peter & Paul Church this Tuesday, March 24th, from 8am to 4pm - barring further restrictions from the government and the archdiocese. It will go from Tuesday through Friday each week during those times.

For those who are not signed up for an hour, please remember - if you decide to drop in to visit our Lord during these hours, no more than 10 people can be allowed in the church. When you see someone come in that would push us over the limit, if you have been there for awhile, please leave so they can come in and have time before our Lord, too.

For health reasons, please sit no closer than every 3rd pew. Father is asking that each person sign in with their own pen or pencil. Please use hand sanitizer before you enter into the church and as you leave. Everything in church will be sanitized each morning before Adoration begins.

Friday, March 20, 2020

AN UPDATE FROM FR. JENSON:

As we move into this time of fasting from mass and Eucharist, we will keep everyone informed on our website about what is happening and provide resources for spiritual growth and ways to be connected as a faith community.  Someone mentioned that the word corona means crown, I believe in Spanish.  As we struggle with the effects of the Corona Virus, we can consider this to be a time in which we are all wearing a crown of thorns as Jesus did on his way to the cross. 
 
Please note, the parish staff will be working from home more frequently than before.  The office doors will not be open.  If you have a question not answered on our website or need to speak to someone in the office, please call or email.  Phones and email will be answered as usual during business hours.
 
We are continuing to work on getting enough adorers willing to cover hours of adoration in church instead of in the chapel.  As soon as we have that taken care of, we will announce when adoration will begin in church and for what hours.  Watch our website for this important information.
 
For Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, there are new regulations for bringing communion to the homebound.  If you presently bring communion to family members or other parishioners, please contact the parish office as we need to update you on new procedures. 
 
Every business day we hope to have updates on our website for your information and with ideas for prayer, worship online, etc.  I know that the Archdiocese is working on being able to provide online streaming of a mass from our Cathedral by one of our bishops.  It will be more important than ever to visit our website daily for any new updates and important notices.
 
The Lord is our Shepherd, we shall not want.  Jesus is watching over us.  Invite him into your day each morning as we bear this crown of thorns of made up of anxiety and fasting from mass and Eucharist.  Jesus, Mary and Joseph, O help us today!
 

Thursday, March 19, 2020

A MESSAGE FROM FR. JENSON:

Dear Parishioners,

These are very amazing and unsettling times we are going through due to the COVID-19 virus.  The Archbishop has ordered all public masses cancelled.  The government has directed that no more than ten people be in any place of assembly.  With this in mind, we have some initial plans for how we will move forward for this weekend and next week.  Plans may change as we see how things go during the first week.
 
Mass Intentions:  Every priest will be offering private masses every day to cover their parish mass intentions.  I have spoken to Fr. Bruno and he will share in offering private masses for some of our five weekend mass intentions for our two parishes.   Intentions will therefore continue to be offered as scheduled and they will be shown in the bulletin as usual.
 
Confessions:  There will be confessions each weekend at both parishes, but not as previously scheduled as they will not be arranged around scheduled masses, which are no longer being offered.  For the weekend, confession will be offered on Saturdays for both parishes. 
 
Weekends: 
St. Thomas:                  Saturday 9:00-10:30AM,        
Ss. Peter and Paul:    Saturday 12:30-2:00PM
 
Weekday Evenings:
Ss. Peter and Paul:   Tuesday 6:30-7:30PM
St. Thomas:                Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM
 
As we see how this works for people through this difficult time, the schedule may be adjusted.
 
Adoration:
We are working to make adoration available early next week.  To do so, we will have to move it from the chapel in Loretto, which is too small to maintain proper social distance, into Ss. Peter and Paul church.  In addition, to ensure that no more than ten people are in church at any time, and with the need to sanitize the pews each day, we are looking at daytime hours only at this time.  Watch the website for details of when we can begin adoration in the church.  It will be a very great blessing to have adoration again.  When adoration resumes, confessions will be scheduled at Ss. Peter and Paul during it at various times. 
 
Scripture:
Numerous links are being put on our parish website to provide you with access to Bible resources.  In addition, there is a very great value to memorizing scripture passages, particularly now when we do not have access to mass and Eucharist.  The best-known Psalm in the Bible is Psalm 23.  Its opening line, “The Lord is my shepherd,  there is nothing I shall want” and “though I walk through the dark valley, I fear no evil; you are there with your crook and your staff that give me courage”  are surely apropos for these times.   If you have a Bible at home, the easiest way to memorize scripture is by repetition.  Read the passage three times a day, perhaps morning, noon, and night.  As we move through these anxious days, these words will begin to come to mind more and more as they sink into your memory and become a part of you.  
 
Rosary:
Many now have the time to pray the rosary daily.  Many who didn’t think they could make time for it are finding it.  This is a perfect devotion for couples and families to pray together as well as individually.  No other devotion has been found to have as much effect as the rosary!  Keep your beads on you all the time and you may be surprised how often you begin to find yourself saying it. Thereby, an ocean of graces will be obtained for our hurting world.
 
In Christ,
Fr. JensonWednesday, March 18, 2020
Other ways to get updates from us:

• Sign up for Flocknote (below) to get email updates or email Sherry to be put on the list (selsen@saintsppta.org)
• Sign up for the myParish app on your cell phone by texting App to 88202, download the myParish app, and select our parish cluster (Ss. Peter & Paul | St. Thomas)
  • The myParish app will send you notifications on updates, has a button to get to our most recent bulletin, and has many other resources such as Prayers, Readings for the day, News from the Archdiocese, Inspirational articles, Reflections, Audio Bible, etc.

Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Click here for a message from Archbishop Hebda.

Sunday, March 15, 2020
Archbishop Hebda has sent out a letter to all parishes in our Archdiocese. Click here to read it.
 

Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Archbishop Hebda issued a statement of guidelines regarding our procedures during Mass in reaction to the coronavirus. He asks that we follow these guidelines until state officials give the all-clear. In response, we are asking you to:

• Stay home if you feel sick or have flu-like symptoms or if you are caring for someone who is sick,

• Offer the greeting at the beginning of Mass without shaking hands or touching, and

• Refrain from hand-holding during the Our Father.

 
Additionally, we have disinfected the pews, emptied the holy water fonts, and our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will sanitize their hands before and after distributing the Eucharist.
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