Pastoral Letters

By Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, it is with great gratitude to God, and to you, that I write this pastoral letter. The exhortation of our patron, St. Paul, to the early Christians in Thessalonica captures well what is in my heart: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers loved by God, how you were chosen” (1 Thes 1:2-4).1 I feel blessed to shepherd an Archdiocese in which the work of the Holy Spirit is so evident.

By Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: St. Paul writes in this way to the Corinthians because he wants to speak about the power of God’s grace, which is constantly transforming his life even in the midst of difficulty.

By Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: My earliest recollections of the Sacred Liturgy are from my home parish church, providentially named “the Church of Saint Paul.”

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: I would like to take the occasion of this pastoral letter to recognize the important contribution of 25 years of service by the Permanent Diaconate in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: There are those who view the moral conscience as personal, internal, subjective and open to no criticism from without. Even in the Catechism of the Catholic Church one might think to find justification for such an outlook.

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: These beautiful words from the book of Exodus provide a solid foundation for the message I want to share with you about aging and care for the aging.

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: In the Hebrew Scriptures the prophet Micah gives us a simple but very challenging formula for holiness.

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: Following the command and example of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church proclaims that "by (God's) plan man and woman are united, and married life is established as the one blessing not forfeited by original sin nor washed away in the flood."

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: I write to you today with concern and hope. My concern is for the many women in our community who do not find the support they need for their health, safety and well-being during pregnancy or after their children are born. My hope is for you and me to respond as the people of Jesus Christ.

By Most Reverend Harry J. Flynn, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis: As I reflected upon the power of forgiveness in our lives; I was reminded of a true story concerning Bishop James Walsh, MM. Bishop Walsh served the people of China for many years, but after the government became communistic, he was convicted of treason.