The Bishops of Minnesota have announced a policy that matches a change in the Governors executive order: Churches are limited to 25% occupancy or 250 souls, whichever is LOWER.

Here are a few pertinent excerpts from the Archbishop’s Letter of May 23, emphasis added:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I wish to let you know of an important breakthrough in our state that will allow for greater worship opportunities for all Minnesotans as we together address the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Governor Walz will issue a new executive order that allows faith communities to accommodate up to 250 people for worship services, provided precautions are taken to protect public health .... Our commitment as Catholics to the common good makes it natural for us to pledge to be good citizens when we gather for worship....

Although we had previously announced that Mass could begin May 26, the bishops have determined that it would be best to move that back one day to May 27 to give each parish the opportunity to reassess its plans in the light of the developments announced today. We have decided to make some small adjustments to our statewide protocols to reflect the helpful guidance that will be issued by the Minnesota Department of Health. In particular, at this time when the number of cases in Minnesota has not yet peaked, we are asking parishes to limit attendance at Mass to 25% of church capacity or 250 people, whichever is lower....

I need to make something clear about the return to Mass. The bishops of Minnesota have repeatedly told our pastors and parishes that they should only return to public Mass when they are able and willing to follow the many protocols that have been put in place .... If a parish is not confident they are ready, they should not open. Period. And if the faithful feel safer at home, the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days continues to be dispensed. Reflecting the current CDC guidance, we also strongly encourage those who are over the age of 65 or who are especially vulnerable to not attend....

Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda

Please note the following important items: 

• Attendance is capped at 250 souls for each Mass.

• Use provided sanitizing wipes at entrances to wipe down your pew and the backrest of the pew in front of you before and after Mass. Ushers and Men’s Club Members will hand out wipes at the entrances before every Mass.

• Many pews will be taped off. (We have attempted to have as many of the pews available that do not have a radiator beneath them!!! If you are taller than 5’7”, you understand).

• Parishioners who normally attend the 9:00 am Mass are kindly requested to consider attending some of the earlier Masses such as the 7:00 am English Low Mass or 8:00 am Latin Low Mass. Of course, we do not want everyone to abandon the 9:00 am Mass! (Saint Agnes will NOT set up an RSVP or reservation system for Masses—I prefer to rely on your good judgment and the promptings of the Holy Spirit).

• If you judge yourself or someone in your family to be specifically vulnerable, then do not attend Holy Mass. (The Archbishop’s dispensation from the Sunday obligation is still in effect).

• Observe social distancing from non related individuals in the pews and when in line for Holy Communion.

• Kneel at the Communion Rail on the +’s or six feet from the nearest unrelated fellow communicant.

• Per the Archbishop’s request, there will be no congregational singing. Only the Schola, Parish Choir and Soloists will sing at Mass.

• The Archdiocese encourages the wearing of masks.

• The Kent Street Stairs and Door will be EXIT ONLY.

• The Middle Front Doors are ENTER ONLY and the two Side Front Doors are EXIT ONLY.

• Entrance Doors will be propped open.

• The East Main Doors will be propped open and are both ENTER and EXIT due to the elevator.

• Please take all reasonable precautions, be patient with others and be understanding with precautions set in place that you might find unreasonable.

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord,

Fr. Mark Moriarty