As we hear more about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Influenza and other infectious and respiratory-type diseases, we continue to pray that they are contained and controlled to protect all people. Ensuring cleanliness to prevent spreading of these nasty germs, St. Joseph follows the guidelines provided by those of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis who are closely monitoring this situation under guidance of those agencies listed in the LINKS section. As situations change, we will be sure to communicate to you via email, our website and through social media. We thank you for your support and faithfulness to our parish community. We are confident that together, with God’s help and guidance, we will make it through this time of uncertainty. 

MN Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline at 651-201-3920.

WHAT'S HAPPENING????

• All Masses and parish activities have been reduced, however we are serving our parishioners both in-person and online. Please see parish calendar and the homepage for updates.

• The Parish Center is open Tuesday through Thursday 10:00am - 2:00pm for individual prayer, adoration and reconciliation, with the 10 person limit and social distancing mandates in place.

• Please see Flocknote, the Bulletin, Upcoming Events, Group Webpages and Giving webpage for online resources to stay connected with and to support St. Joseph. 

• For questions, we encourage you to please call the Parish Office, email the applicable ministry lead or communications@stjosephparish.com.

WHAT WE DO AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC COMMUNITY  

 St. Joseph Catholic Community Staff, Priests and Eucharistic Ministers:

• Masses have reduced in location and frequency; individual prayer and adoration will be available limiting to 10 people and 6-foot distancing mandate.
• Stay home when sick, following CDC guidelines.
• Increased sanitization routines at the church with extra cleansing of dining room and Eucharistic vessels prior to and after use. Removed holy water from Holy Water and Baptismal fonts.
• Closed Child Care Center until further notice.
• Replaced the passed offertory basket with an offertory receptacle in the gathering space..
• Properly store Precious Blood and Body of Christ (Wine and Hosts).
• Sanitize hands just prior to and after communion to the hands. only.
• In-Person Mass Registration is required.
• Federal and State health and safety protocols are  required and practiced.

• See 03-12-2020 Update Summary:  If the faithful decide that congregating for Sunday Mass would constitute a risk to themselves or others, they have the freedom not to attend per Archbishop Hebda. Faithful of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are dispensed from their Sunday Mass obligation until further notice. Masses will continue to be celebrated in our parish at this time. 

• While not attending Mass, please fulfill your Sabbath obligation:
  • stay abreast of the services that St. Joseph will be offering such as online information, video-conferencing, live streaming and videos,
  • watch Mass online and see other resources on the Archdiocese website including viewing Mass at St. John's Abbey, EWTN Global Catholic Television Network, etc. or on your local television station,
  • listen to the radio (broadcast 11:00a on KSTC-TV/45 and 9:00a on 1330a or 1330a,
  • make a Spiritual Communion,
  • pray the Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, other devotions, and 
  • make your Sunday financial contribution either by mailing in your envelope or using our online payment method:  https://www.stjosephparish.com/generalfund
• Stay abreast of our announcements via email, website pages or social media for changes and cancellations.
• Stay spiritually connected to the Church and each other by reaching out to those who are alone and isolated.

• For all, STAY HOME and away from busy public places. Stay at home especially if you are sick, if you are at high risk, have a compromised immune system or feel uncomfortable being in church at this time.
• Seek out medical attention if you develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing. 
• Avoid touching infected surfaces and frequently wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds before eating or use a 60%+ alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Stay connected to friends, family and those who are isolated by calling, texting, video chatting, sending a letter and/or checking on them.
• Practice "social distancing" refraining from attending any size group events and staying 6 feet away from others. Think about your actions in relationship to others who are suspect to the spread of these diseases - patience is a virtue, time will heal with God's grace.
• Keep the Kids Busy While Out of School

• Children’s Missalette Videos

• Reach Out and Connect!

• Social Engagement!

• Please Financially Support St. Joseph – Especially During This Time

• Bring and use hand sanitizer before communion and after coughing or sneezing into your hands.
• Refrain from shaking hands during the Sign of Peace. A friendly smile, verbal "peace" or nod of the head can be used to greet one another.
• Refrain from holding hands during the Lord's Prayer. 
• Receive the Eucharist from your hands only
• Sanitize your hands before and after church.
• Pray for those affected by these contagious viruses, that they may receive the strength and health care needed to assist them in their recovery.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7