Announcements

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. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

‘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. Continue reading

Watch the Bishops’ Rosary Procession

Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Andrew Cozzens visited five healthcare facilities, praying the Rosary at each location, Saturday, May 2. Watch the videos here. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

Online Opportunities During Holy Week

With public Masses suspended, the faithful face a particularly challenging Holy Week this year. Many in the Church have risen to this challenge, offering local and national retreats, reflections and other online opportunities to continue gathering the Church help Catholics to make Holy Week meaningful for you and your family. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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. Continue reading

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.  Continue reading

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.  Continue reading