Pandemic-related social distancing restrictions at places of worship ended May 28, 2021. Read more in The Catholic Spirit.

As Catholics, while each of our circumstances has been uniquein some capacity and for some period of time, we’ve each had to go without fellowship and without the Holy Eucharist. Perhaps these absences have blessed us all with the time to reflect upon the joy that comes from fellowship, and the life that comes from the Eucharist. A joy to which we are all invited to return, as the pandemic subsides and – per Gov. Walz’s Executive Order 21.21 – parishes are able to open at full capacity to welcome everyone home.

For we are Created for CommunionThat is, we are created for communion with each other, and we are created for Holy Communionthe source and summit of the Christian Life. (CCC 1324) 

We are created for fellowship. Just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have a living union, so are we created to reflect their union in our relationships with others. It is through our relational nature that we recognize our vocations and grow in love and holiness. 

We are created for the Eucharist. While livestreaming, watching Mass on TV, and listening to it on the radio have been suitable ways to celebrate the Lord’s Day when we could not come together in person and will continue to have their place, they lack one key piece: Jesus Himself. During the holy sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus Christ becomes truly present in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are not simply signs that lead us to Christ, but completely transform into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist 

Find a parish near you, and learn more below.

Sunday Obligation Returns in Minnesota

en Español 

The bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference reinstated the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation the weekend of July 3-4, 2021. 

There remains reasons why a Catholic have a dispensation from the Sunday obligation, including when he or she is ill or serving as caretaker for one who cannot attend Mass. The faithful who do not attend Mass in person are asked to find a Mass on TV, the radio or online (search livestream options using Advanced Search on this page) and make a Spiritual Communion. Where that is not an option, it would be appropriate to pray the Liturgy of the Hours or the Rosary.  

Read about this decision, and find examples of special circumstances when a dispensation would still apply, in recent letters from Archbishop Hebda and the Minnesota bishops. 

Search for parishes – including those with COVID-19 precautions – on our Locations page. (Please note: as pandemic conditions change, these protocols may be adjusted, so it is best to contact the parish directly to confirm current protocols.)