Pastor's Letter on Liturgy Suspension

Dear Parishioners and Friends,
 
We are living in extraordinary times — the spread of the new coronavirus has been truly remarkable.

And while much is still unknown of the extent of spread and severity of the ill-effects it causes, it is prudent to act out of caution to do whatever we can to prevent or at least slow its further spread, particularly to the most vulnerable among us.

For that reason, in consultation with the Archdiocese, medical experts, and government authorities, we have suspended public liturgies, cancelled events, and closed the school until further notice. 

• Read statement from Archbishop Hebda on Archdiocesan suspension of public Masses

As of now, Adoration is the only on-site public event until further notice. We’ve also adjusted our Adoration hours and location to allow for better social distancing.
 
Rest assured that we are taking these decisions very seriously. While there is no reason to panic, that does not mean there isn’t reason to act in order to protect those under our pastoral leadership.

The work that we do together here at Nativity of Our Lord to serve the people of God as disciples of Jesus Christ has had to change dramatically, and it is regrettable that many of our specific projects have been thwarted. 

But our work here will not stop, nor will it be without fruit, even as it looks different. God has a plan through it all, and we ought not underestimate his power to work in us — even as we aren’t able to worship and gather as usual.
 
Our parish leadership has been hard at work to prepare alternative and creative means to continue to teach, preach, minister, serve, and worship. Join us for live-streamed Lord’s Day Mass on Facebook at 5pm on Saturday, and please stay tuned to our website, weekly email (sign up  here), and social media ( Facebook at Twitter) for the latest updates and further multi-media opportunities.

We are still totally committed to providing the Last Rites — please don't hesitate to reach out if someone is close to death, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just dial the main office at (651) 696-5401 and press 1 if you receive the recording.

We will also do all we can to provide weddings, funerals, and baptisms and the requisite preparation in accord with Archdiocesan directives. Again, contact the parish office for more information.

On a personal note, I myself have taken seriously the recommendations of social distancing, particularly for someone of my age and medical history. I hope that I can be an example to all of you, that we may together practice healthy and safe habits in this time of increased risk.

Finally, this time has put a particular strain on our finances. Last weekend, we saw a two-thirds decrease in our Sunday collection, even as we still were offering public Lord’s Day Masses. To put it bluntly, that number is simply not sustainable for us as an institution.

Please, if you haven’t yet, enroll in our online giving program, which can be found here. We are also still accepting cash and checks at the parish office, and you can also contact Joyce Kotta to donate over the phone at (651) 696-5436.

And, if you have the means, please consider making an additional gift to help sustain us during this time.

Visit https://nativity-mn.org/news/coronavirus for more information on all of the above, including best practices for prevention.

Please know of my ongoing prayers for you and your families, and may God bless your week.

Fr. Patrick Hipwell, Pastor
 

A version of this letter appears in the March 22, 2020 parish bulletin.