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VIRUS

April 18, 2022 COVID-19 Update from Archbishop Hebda
- COVID Restrictions to be Lifted April 1, 2022
  
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tracking COVID pandemic trends, now classify the Twin Cities area with a Community Level Risk of “Low.” It is still important be fully vaccinated, practice good hygiene, keep indoor spaces well ventilated, and (when showing symptoms) isolate and get tested. However, urging all to wear masks, keep social distance, and avoid large gatherings is no longer required. Consequently, as of Friday, April 1, 2022, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is rescinding all pandemic restrictions for liturgical celebrations.
  
  Individual parishes may choose to retain some restrictions, or phase them out incrementally. Likewise, the faithful are welcome to continue taking precautions such as wearing a mask, if they choose to do so.
  
  In the future, if pandemic conditions change, it may be necessary to reinstate some protocols. You may continue to visit archspm.org/covid19 for updates. Thank you for your prayers and patience throughout the pandemic.
  
  Posted March 25, 2022
- July 1, 2021 Marked the End of the Dispensation in Minnesota
  
  Click here
  for the Bishops of MN Announcement of the lifting of the Dispensation.
  
  Archbishop Hebda invites all the faithful to come together as one Church, with everyone welcomed and encouraged to return to their parish.
  
  Find FAQ's about safely returning to Mass now that the social distancing restrictions have been lifted at places of worship.
- A Frequently Asked Question: Back to Mass
  
  Since resuming public worship in May 2020, parishes have taken great care to ensure safety protocols are followed by staff, as well as Mass-goers. With the rise in percentage of the population vaccinated, cases are decreasing and we are starting to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. For these reasons and more, Gov. Walz announced in Executive Order 21:21 that social distancing will no longer be mandated indoors beginning Friday, May 28 – meaning that parishes prepared to do so may open at full capacity at that time.
  
  SEAS opened for full capacity the weekend of May 29/30, 2020.
- Catholics and the Vaccine
  
  For more on the pontiff's view, read this article.
  
  Worried about the vaccine's possible connection to cells from aborted fetuses?
  Read more from the Holy See.
  
  Here's information from the USCCB on the issue.
  
  Here is more from the Catholic News Service, and the latest opinion on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine..
- The Surrender Novena
  
  Don Dolindo, one time spiritual director for St. Padre Pio, received from Jesus the words of the Surrender Novena. It is a nine day prayer that is especially timely now, when world events feel out of control and we are trying to grow in trust and abandonment to God’s providence. This novena is all about letting go of the outcome you desire and letting God manifest His will. Find it here.