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September 3, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
I write to you today in the midst of the continued increase of the Delta Variant in our community and throughout the nation. This has resulted in increased infections among children and vulnerable populations, increased stress among healthcare workers and first responders, and a significant decrease of available ICU beds in our community. This concerning reality requires increased vigilance on the part of all Catholics, consistent with our commitment to social solidarity and the common good.
Below, I list the dimensions of our particular response at Our Lady of Lourdes. Earlier this week, a Lourdes parishioner, who is a pediatrician, reached out to me with a heartfelt letter and plea for greater vigilance within our community. She spoke from her perspective and manifested her concern based, in part, on what she has witnessed in term of the toll that COVID has taken on children. I ask you to read her thoughtful letter when you are able.
Throughout the pandemic, parish leaders at Lourdes have sought to thread the needle between public safety and safe access to the sacraments, especially the Eucharist which is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. We have stood in the center of Catholic parishes – between those who adopted the most stringent measure and those parishes who could be described as more permissive in their response. In all circumstances, Lourdes followed the directives of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and any applicable state or city mandates.
Pope Francis has asked Church leaders to follow the guidelines of national and local officials in response to COVID. City officials in Minneapolis have strongly encouraged the use of masks in indoor spaces. Earlier this week, I again canvassed parish leaders regarding the appropriate response at Lourdes, in light of the increased spread of the virus. I took the varied responses to prayer and continued discernment, and below list guidelines that will mark our response during the month of September, which I believe is a critical time to practice greater vigilance and care. Thank you for your consideration and response as we continue our journey together toward a healthier future. May the God of compassion and light be with all of us at this time.- Masks are strongly encouraged during all indoor liturgies and indoor activities at Lourdes
- Beginning the first weekend of September, communion will be distributed in opposite directions – with one aisle beginning in the front and the other in the back of church
- Parishioners and friends, not of the same family, are asked to maintain social distancing throughout liturgy, including when receiving communion
- Any parishioner or friend attending Mass who is concerned about social distancing will be shown seats in areas of the church that are more open, if available
- The start of the choir season will be delayed until October
- Baptisms within Mass will be delayed until further notice
- The re-filling of holy water fonts will also be delayed until further notice
- Communion will only be given in the hands until further notice
- Parishioners and friends are strongly encouraged to become fully vaccinated
- Any parishioner or friend who is sick or feeling symptoms is asked to please stay at home; the 10/10:30 am Mass will continue to be livestreamed