Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB.
Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests
Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States.
Archbishop Hebda: How We Respond as Catholics
On May 29, Archbishop Hebda discussed in an interview on Relevant Radio how we respond as Catholics to the current unrest. Listen here. Plus: pray with Archbishop Hebda and other faith leaders the evening of May 29 from 8-9 p.m. and share photos via Facebook and Twitter using #stpfaithleadersforjustice.
Statement Regarding the Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: The video of George Floyd in police custody Monday evening is gut wrenching and deeply disturbing. The sadness and pain are intense. Let us pray for comfort for his grieving family and friends, peace for a hurting community and prudence while the process moves forward.
Letter from Archbishop Hebda Regarding New Executive Order Allowing Larger Faith-based Gatherings
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: I wish to let you know of an important breakthrough in our state that will allow for greater worship opportunities for all Minnesotans as we together address the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Governor Walz will issue a new executive order that allows faith communities to accommodate up to 250 people for worship services, provided precautions are taken to protect public health.
3:00 p.m. News Conference with Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens
Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda and Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens will meet with media members today, May 21, at 3:00 p.m. CT, from the Archdiocesan Catholic
Catholic Bishops of Minnesota Move Ahead with Plan for Limited Return to Public Masses
From the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota: The Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, along with many people of faith, were disappointed in Governor Walz’s May 13 announcement that he would end the Stay-at-Home order to allow more commerce but prohibit religious gatherings of more than ten people.
Thomas Johnson Steps Down as Ombudsperson, Replacement Named
From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Twin Cities attorney Thomas L. Johnson recently announced he is stepping down from his position as ombudsperson for clerical sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis – a role in which Tom has served since January of 2018. The former Hennepin County Attorney cited health challenges as the reason for his decision.
Update from Archbishop Hebda Regarding Public Masses
To our disappointment, the governor and his administration have not yet engaged in dialogue with us on our proposal. While easing the Stay-at-Home order May 13, the governor’s new Stay Safe Minnesota executive order explicitly prohibited faith-based gatherings with more than ten unrelated people.
‘Walking the Good Red Road: Nicholas Black Elk’s Journey to Sainthood’ Documentary to Air May 24
On Sunday, May 24, KSTP(ABC) will broadcast the 1-hour Black Elk documentary, “Walking the Good Red Road: Nicholas Black Elk’s Journey to Sainthood” at 5 a.m. This retelling of Black Elk’s life and legacy relies heavily on archival photographs and publications, expert interviews, and historical reenactments on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Letter from Archbishop Hebda to Faithful Following Extension of Governor’s Stay-at-Home Order
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: I remain grateful for your commitment even in these difficult days to give joyful witness to the Resurrection of Jesus.
A Million Families and a Million Rosaries
What if a million families joined hands now to pray the rosary for a cure to the coronavirus? Join in praying the rosary every day for an end to this pandemic.
Statement Regarding Gov. Walz’s School Closure Announcement
From Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, Vicar for Catholic Education: Governor Tim Walz announced today that Minnesota public and charter school buildings will remain closed through the end of the school year.
Letter from Archbishop Hebda: Stay-at-Home Update
From Archbishop Bernard Hebda: Easter Blessings in our Risen Lord! Thank you for supporting our Catholic parishes and schools and caring for those in need during these difficult times. I have been praying often and intensely for you, especially during Holy Week.
Archdiocesan Synod Process Delayed
From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Despite the great momentum for the Synod and the participation of more than 8,000 people in pre-Synod Prayer and Listening Events, the Covid-19 pandemic is requiring the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to alter the Synod schedule.
Statement Regarding Gov. Walz’s Stay-at-Home Order
From Archbishop Bernard Hebda: Governor Tim Walz this afternoon ordered Minnesotans to stay home for two weeks – beginning Friday night – to try and further contain the spread of COVID-19 and buy time for our health care system to prepare.
Virtual Holy Week Retreat Announced
From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: In the event that the State of Minnesota’s request that residents refrain from large gatherings continues through the middle of April to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is offering a virtual Holy Week retreat and inviting all to participate.
Statement Regarding Formation of Economic Impact Task Force
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: I am pleased to announce the formation of an Economic Impact Task Force during this time of economic instability and uncertainly due to COVID-19/coronavirus.
Archbishop Hebda Suspends Public Masses in Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: State Officials have communicated to religious leaders that the next two weeks are critical for the containment of the COVID-19/coronavirus and that all congregational gatherings should be avoided. While I am sure that the advice is startling for those of any creed, it particularly hits hard for Catholics, given our beliefs about the Mass and the Eucharist.
Update Regarding the Archdiocesan Catholic Center Status
As a result of COVID-19/coronavirus and mitigation strategies and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health, all Catholic Center employees who are able to perform their work duties and responsibilities remotely are for the time being encouraged to do so.
Statement Regarding New Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting System
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting (CBAR) system became operational this morning. The Bishops of the United States approved the national reporting system following Pope Francis’ May 2019 apostolic letter, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), to address the issue of sexual abuse and bishop accountability in the global Catholic Church.
Statement Regarding Catholic Schools Closures
From Bishop Andrew Cozzens, Vicar for Catholic Education: Across the twelve-county territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are 91 Catholic schools with over 3700 employees serving over 29,000 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Statement Regarding COVID-19 Case at St. Thomas Academy
Across the twelve-county territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are 91 Catholic schools with over 3,700 employees serving over 29,000 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Reaction to Governor’s News Conference Regarding New COVID-19 Recommendations
From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda: At his news conference this afternoon, Governor Tim Walz announced the Minnesota Department of Health’s recommendations of no gatherings of more than 250 people as well as limiting small group interaction.
