Church of St. Mary /
             Church of St. Henry

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Resources:

General information:

3/20/20

Dear brothers and sisters,
 
We enter into a challenging time with the confidence that the love of Christ conquers all things.  Due to the nature of the situation, however, we must limit our parish’s activities to the bare essentials.  Since communication will be limited, we would like to inform you of our present plan to safeguard both the spiritual and bodily health of parishioners. The situation is rapidly changing, so please know that the most up-to-date information will be posted on the parish website.
 
Mass – (Updated 7/31/20) Outdoor and indoor Masses are currently being celebrated. Check website and bulletins for the current schedule.
 
Church Building and Parish Office –   (Updated 09/2/20) The office is now open according to usual office hours (9am-5pm Mon-Thurs & 9am-12pm Fri).  The church is normally only open for daily Mass.
 
Confessions – (Updated 10/20/20) Confession are available Tuesdays and Fridays, 6-6:30pm inside the St. Mary parish office entry-way.  Confessions are behind the screen unless face-to-face is specifically requested.  Social distance will be maintained. Please park your vehicle alongside the curb outside the doors.
 
Anointing of the Sick – The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is not only for the dying, it is for anyone as soon as they begin to be in danger due to illness (even if recovery is likely).  If you or a loved one have fallen ill in any serious manner, do not delay in requesting the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.  Understand, however, that many nursing homes have already barred all visitors (including clergy) from entering nursing homes except in end-of-life situations.  We will take appropriate measures to protect against the spread of infection when anointing, including administering the holy oil with a cotton ball. Call the parish office to set an appointment for anointing.
 
Last Rites/Emergencies – As priests, we will never deny the Last Rites to anyone out of concern for our own health. Please know, however, that health officials could easily turn away clergy from visiting certain patients in quarantine.  For this reason, if you or a loved one falls ill in any serious manner, contact us right away.  In an emergency, call Fr. Stiles or Fr. Sandquist; otherwise, call parish office staff (see phone numbers at end of letter).
 
Baptisms – (updated 5/26/20) Baptisms are still being celebrated in the present time with social distancing, precautions and some limitations. Please contact Fr. Sandquist via email or phone to schedule your child’s baptism. Parents are asked to attend a class on the sacrament of baptism (virtually if necessary). Due to the great importance of this sacrament we encourage you not to delay in requesting this sacrament. It is desirable that parents make contact with us even before the birth of the child.
 
Funerals – (updated 5/26/20) Funerals with social distance precautions and limitations are permitted at this time.
 
Communion Visits – (Updated 7/31/20) Out of concern for transmission of the virus to the most vulnerable, Holy Communion will no longer be brought by volunteers to the homebound.  All who do not have access to Holy Communion are encouraged to pray the spiritual communion prayer at the end of this letter. Fr. Stiles and Fr. Sandquist are happy to bring Communion to the homebound. Please call the office to request Holy Communion.
 
Live-streaming – (updated 7/31/20 ) We are currently livestreaming the Sunday morning Mass every week.  The primary location we are posting this material is in the "Videos" section on the St. Mary/St. Henry Facebook page.  You do not need a facebook account to watch.
 
Scams – There are an abundance of scams being reported right now. Remember that neither Fr. Stiles, Fr. Sandquist, nor any staff will ask for money or gift cards by text or by email.
 
For Those without Internet Access – For updates, call the parish office (number listed below). Staff is regularly checking voicemails.
 
Love of Neighbor – In a time like this, let’s not forget about those who aren’t as well connected to others and lack a security net. Consider, for example, supporting the local food shelf which will likely be critical for many out of work.
 
Reminder – Wash your hands often, maintain a six foot distance between you and others, and cough into your sleeve. The elderly and those with serious underlying health conditions are most at risk.

Resources

• Both parish websites will continue to host regular homilies, messages, and teachings from Fr. Stiles and Fr. Sandquist.  Go to: stmarysthenry.org or maryschurches.com. We are also exploring other creative options.
• Television
  • ETWN (Catholic television network)
    • Midco channel 99 (Limited Cable plan)
    • DirectTV channel 370
    • DISH channel 261
    • Mediacom channel 94
  • Diocese of St. Cloud Sunday 11 a.m. Mass
    • KSTC-TV/45 - antenna channel 5.2 or DirectTV channel 45
• Radio
  • Unfortunately there is little reception for Catholic radio stations in our area. Relevant Radio (AM 1330) is broadcasted from the Twin Cities and can be heard in some locations.
• Online
  • There are many resources online. The following broadcast daily Mass and other faith nourishing content:
    • ewtn.com
    • relevantradio.com
    • wordonfire.org
  • Formed.org – Go to formed.org > Click sign up > Under Find your parish or organization, type in “Churches of St Mary and St Henry”. Type in your name and email. Click sign up.
• For updates and additional resources from the archdiocese, go to: archspm.org/covid19

 
Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy Eucharist. I love you above all things, and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.
 
Phone numbers

• St. Mary/St. Henry parish office: 507-357-6633
• Marysburg/Nativity parish office: 507-243-3166
• After-hours emergency: 507-456-8473