ARCHBISHOP HEBDA'S LETTER TO PARISHES - MARCH, 2020
Author: Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda
March 12, 2020
OFFICE OF THE ARCHBISHOP
777 Forest Street | Saint Paul, MN 55106-3857 | T: 651.291.4511 | F: 651.
291.4549 | www.archspm.org | archbishop@archspm.org
March 12, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In ordinary circumstances, Catholics are obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays
and other holy days of obligation. This obligation is suspended in cases of
moral or physical impossibility, and may also be dispensed for a just cause
when it is for the spiritual good of the faithful. In addition, the Church also
has the obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable and those who care
for the sick.
Due to the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19/coronavirus cases in the
Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, I determine it prudent to dispense
all Catholics in the territory of this Archdiocese from the obligation to
attend Sunday Mass, until further notice. If the faithful decide that
congregating for Sunday Mass would constitute a risk to themselves or others,
they have the freedom not to attend. Masses, however, will continue to be
celebrated in our parishes as regularly scheduled at this time.
The Mass allows us to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist and strengthens
community, so this is not a decision I take lightly. Even for those who stay
home, Sunday remains a holy day, and Catholics should still observe the Lord’s
Day e.g. by making a “spiritual communion” while watching Mass online, on TV,
or radio (broadcast 11:00 a.m. on KSTC-TV/45 and 9:00 a.m. on Relevant Radio
1330am). You can pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, and other
devotions. You may also decide to attend Mass on a weekday when assemblies are
smaller. Those attending Mass any time should continue to minimize the risk of
contracting or spreading infection. For details, see archspm.org/covid19.
The spread of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) presents a challenge for
everyone, including us Catholics, but it also offers an opportunity. Lent calls
us to more fervent prayer, fasting and almsgiving. The current medical
situation invites us especially to direct our spiritual exercises to benefit
the sick and those caring for them, including the Church’s ministers. As God’s
providence is allowing this trial during the sacred time of Lent, I am asking
all the faithful to increase our prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We know the
prayer of faith can move mountains.
First, as was done in Rome, I am asking you to join me 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. This day will occur next
Wednesday, March 18, 2020, between the Feast of St. Patrick (March 17) and the
Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19). On that day, I invite Catholics who are
ordinarily bound to observe fast and abstinence on Ash Wednesday to prayerfully
make this same sacrifice next Wednesday.
Second, I encourage the faithful to engage in additional prayer. I highly
recommend praying a daily Rosary as a family or individually, but other forms
of prayer and devotion are also suitable. From biblical times until the present
day, history confirms that when the faithful unite in prayer and fasting,
powerful things happen.
Finally, let us continue to pray for the sick and dying, for those caring for
them (including priests and deacons), and for those working to minimize the
impact of COVID-19. Let us pray for our own protection and care, for those who
fear death without knowing the Lord’s loving care, and for strengthening our
hope of eternal life. Let us also remain calm and look out for all our brothers
and sisters in need: those in our families, in our neighborhoods, and around
the world. When we unite for the common good, we can overcome fear and
courageously face the challenges in the days ahead.
Seeking both the intercession of Our Lady, Help of the Sick, and the graces
that pour forth from the merciful heart of Jesus, I remain,
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
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