Local News

Under the bishops’ plan, public Masses are expected to resume, under heavy restrictions, May 18 — exactly two months after public Masses were suspended in the archdiocese.

With local hospitals tightening restrictions for entering the rooms of patients with COVID-19, Bishop Andrew Cozzens is addressing an important pastoral need — administering the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to those suffering from the illness who are in danger of dying.

It wasn’t until after Father Kowalczyk was done editing the video and mixing the sound that he really stepped back to hear the lyrics anew, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, he said.

The faithful can join in prayer as part of renewal of consecrations to Mary in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, both on the national level May 1 and in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis May 3.

A coalition of doctors and Minnesota residents are suing the state’s abortion providers to stop them from performing surgical abortions during the coronavirus pandemic, arguing they are using masks, gloves and gowns needed to treat COVID-19 patients.

When Father Jerome Fehn first started doing hospital ministry in the 1980s, he could not have imagined needing a video camera to provide pastoral care to a patient.

“We don’t feel rushed anymore. We go on walks, and we just talk,” Tanya said. “I’m checking in to make sure the kids are OK, as they are social beings, which can make navigating this situation a challenge.”

Father Pavlak notes that his biggest challenge has been not seeing the students at school, with their energy, humor and personalities that are complemented by being around one another. “It’s been important for me to stay connected with them as their priest,” he said.