UPDATE: Public Mass has resumed. See our article about returning to Mass safely.
March 18, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
The peace of Christ be with you in this third week of Lent.
This afternoon, Archbishop Hebda made the difficult decision to suspend public Mass in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. I encourage you to read the Archbishop’s statement, which can be found here.
When we began on Ash Wednesday, none of us could have anticipated the sacrifice that God would ask of us this Lent. To be deprived of the Mass, even for a short time, is truly to have our hearts pierced like Mary’s. For those who love him, it is a real sharing in the suffering of Christ. I can only imagine the suffering it was (and is) for Archbishop Hebda, as our Shepherd, to have to make this decision for his flock.
On this most difficult day, I want to remind you that St Mark’s is truly a family, and we will remain a family in these weeks ahead. God has allowed these challenges we face in his providence, and as with all suffering lived with love, he will bring about a greater good from it. We will be prayerfully reimagining how parish life will look in the coming weeks, and will let you know more when we are able. Please check your email and our website often (www.onestrongfamily.org), to receive the latest updates.
If you are homebound or in need, your parish family is here to help. If you need someone to help pick up groceries or run an errand, or have a particular prayer request, please let us know by emailing us at submissions@onestrongfamily.org, or call the parish office during business hours at 651-645-5717. If you are willing and able to help a fellow parishioner in need, let us know that as well, at the same email and phone number. As a family, we will carry this cross together with love, and God will be glorified.
May the Lord bless you abundantly,
Fr Humberto Palomino, PES
Pastor