(New updates will be added to this post.)

The well-being of our community members is our number one priority, and in particular the most vulnerable.

Consequently, we feel compelled to act in accord with our leadership at the Archdiocesan level — in consultation with relevant expert recommendations in the medical field — to help ensure the safety of those under our leadership.

There is still, of course, much that is unclear about the threat that the new coronavirus poses. Even still, we find it prudent, in the spirit of caution, to adjust our upcoming schedule and enact some temporary changes to our protocol.

 

Online Mass How-Tos

Added March 26

Watching a video stream of Mass from home is new to most of us. Want some ideas on how to make the best out of an imperfect situation?

• Fr. Nick made a video to explain. Check out the video at left or click here to watch.
• Check out this infographic from the Archdiocese.
• Magnificat has offered its daily online Mass guide for free.
• Make a “spiritual communion” asking Jesus to enter your heart spiritually, if not physically. A prayer is available here.

 

Live-streamed Mass from Nativity

• Nativity Online Liturgies

Join us for live-streamed Lord’s Day Mass from Nativity of Our Lord from  Facebook at 5pm on Saturdays (vigil) and Sundays at 8:15am.  Daily Mass will be live-streamed at 8:15am Monday-Saturday.

These recordings will remain available on our Facebook page upon completion of the Mass, and will be posted  on our website here.

 

Confessions or Conversations

Need to see a priest?

Fr. Nick will be available on for Confessions or conversations on Sunday mornings from 8am-noon. You can find him outside on the sidewalk in front of the rectory on Prior Ave.

 

Stewardship

• Donate online now

Like many individuals, families, and organizations, this time has put a particular strain on our finances. We know that many of you are similarly hurting or are otherwise financially vulnerable. For those of you who are able, please enroll in our online giving program, which is available 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.

 

Extraordinary Papal Blessing

Added March 28

Pope Francis on Friday, March 27 offered an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world), which comes with the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.

• Watch the video

  
 

Updated Office Hours

We've temporarily reduced our office hours at the Lannan Center (parish office) to
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, effective Monday, March 23, 2020.

 

Litany in Time of Need

As a sign of unity, Archbishop Hebda asks that all of us — especially students — to pray the “Litany in Time of Need” each day at 11:00 AM for protection and help.

• Litany in Time of Need
• Pray the Stations of the Cross with Archbishop Hebda.

 

Public Masses and Confessions Suspended

Following Archdiocesan directives, there will be no public Masses at Nativity of Our Lord after Wednesday, 3/18 for at least two weeks. We have also suspended Confessions.

• Read full statement from Fr. Patrick
• Read full statement from Archbishop Hebda

We are currently brainstorming ways to continue offering Confession again while also ensuring the safety of both penitent and priest. Please stay tuned for updates.

 

Sunday Mass Dispensation

Archbishop Bernard Hebda announced on 3/12 his decision to dispense all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.

This is a rare dispensation and a decision the Archbishop said he did not take lightly.

• Read his full letter.
• Watch a video with a statement from Archbishop Hebda.

  

Adoration Location, Times, and Restrictions

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been moved to the main church to allow social distancing of at least six feet. Because the main church needs to be locked overnight, the hours of Adoration will be restricted to 9am-10pm Sunday-Friday and 9am-4pm on Saturday. All church doors will be locked at 10pm.
 
During this time, all scheduled adorers should treat their assigned hour as completely optional. Above all, please do not come if you feel ill in any way, or if you are particularly at risk for the coronavirus. You are not being selfish by choosing to pray at home — it’s instead an act of charity!

Finally, Adoration must be restricted to ten people or less. If you notice there are already ten people in the church, please wait until someone leaves or come back another time. Please also be mindful of numbers and consider limiting your time in the church during busy times.

Contact Jim at mcquillanj@rjffs.com or (763) 746-8244 for more information.

 

Alternative Prayers and Liturgies

While we are unable to celebrate liturgies together in person, we recommend the following, particularly on Sunday, which remains holy as the Lord’s Day:

• Make a “spiritual communion” asking Jesus to enter your heart spiritually, if not physically. A prayer is available here.

• Watch or listen to Mass:
  • Online - Nativity will live-stream our Saturday 5pm Mass on Facebook, with the recording available there and on our website thereafter.
  • On TV - Broadcast at 11:00 AM on KSTC-TV/45
  • On the Radio - Broadcast at 9:00 AM on Relevant Radio 1330am
• Pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, or other devotions. Visit https://nativity-mn.org/online-resources for more information.

• In lieu of Confession, the faithful are encouraged to make a regular examination of conscience — even daily — and to pray for forgiveness whenever aware of personal sin, particularly an Act of Contrition.

• Pray the Stations of the Cross with Archbishop Hebda.

• Join the NCCW in praying the Coronavirus Novena. (They began it on Friday, March 20 — but you're welcome to join them at any time, or start at the beginning!) 

• Stay tuned to our website, weekly email (sign up here), and social media (Facebook at Twitter) for the latest updates and further digital opportunities.
  • Archdiocesan updates are available here.

 

Senior Care Visits

Another unfortunate but necessary health precaution — and one outside of our control — is a restriction on Pastoral Care visits to senior care facilities.

Please keep our senior parishioners in our thoughts and prayers, especially those who will be without the sacraments for the immediate future, as we do our best to navigate these restrictions.

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.

 

Event Cancellations

Between now and March 31 we have suspended all Nativity on-site events except for Adoration. The School is closed. The ELC will remain close after Friday, 3/20. RCIA and Faith Formation have moved to temporary distance-learning models, along with the school.

The following events have been suspended (some potentially to be rescheduled later; this is an incomplete list. See https://nativity-mn.org/events for more):

• Both Fish Fry events - March 13 & April 3
• Best Lent Ever Group - Mondays in Lent
• Grandparents Rosary - Tuesdays
• Stations of the Cross - Fridays in Lent
• Children's Adoration Hour - Fridays
• NELC Grandparents Day - April 1
• 5th Grade Concert - April 2
• First Friday Fellowship - April 3

 

Ongoing Communication

Please bookmark this page and  return here for parish updates moving forward.

Please also subscribe to our email newsletter if you haven’t yet, and updates will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter. Contact Tim at the parish office ( info@nativity-mn.org or 651-696-5401) if you’d like to receive a bulletin by mail or help subscribing to our emails or social media.

Other links:

• Archdiocesan updates
• CDC
• MDH
• WHO

 

Solidarity

Please join us in prayer for any and all of those affected by this illness, and that Our Lord may intervene to halt its spread.

As the Archbishop says, “God’s providence is allowing this trial during the sacred time of Lent,” and “invites us especially to direct our spiritual exercises to benefit the sick and those caring for them, including the Church’s ministers.”

The Archbishop invites us to join him in a special day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer “invoking God’s help in these challenging days for our Archdiocese, our country and the world ... Wednesday, March 18, 2020.”

He asks those of us who are strong and healthy to replicate the Ash Wednesday and Good Friday disciplines — and all of us to pray, the rosary in particular — for those who are sick and those who care for them.

Finally, THANK YOU for your patience, understanding, cooperation, and collaboration during this challenging time. May Our Sovereign and Loving Lord, through the intercession of Mary Our Mother, protect and provide for us in this time of need. Amen!

 

Recommended Everyday Preventative Measures

The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as Coronavirus (from https://www.catholicmutual.org/):

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (at least six feet!).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow vs. your hand (you can spread germs when touching items after coughing or sneezing into your hand).
• Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before eating. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases including Coronavirus.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of Coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

 

Prayer for those affected by the Coronavirus

May the sick be granted a swift recovery, the medical personnel receive the support they need, and those grieving the loss of loved ones be sustained by the hope of eternal life and the care of the Church.  Amen!