Brothers and Sisters:

You were once darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

Live as children of light,

for light produces every kind of goodness

and righteousness and truth.

These encouraging words from the Second Reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent were written by St.

Paul to the Ephesians. I hope that you can find encouragement, comfort and security in them today. We

are not gathered together today as we would normally be because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has

brought Bishop Quinn to the decision that all public Masses, devotions and parish gatherings be suspend-

ed until May 15, 2020. This was not an easy decision for our bishop, but one he made, as our shepherd,

to protect us. I have posted his letter on the doors of each of the parishes. A few points to note from his

letter.

Priests will continue to celebrate private Masses for the intentions of their parishioners.

Churches may remain open for private prayer.

Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick are on an individual basis

(please contact me at 507-259-1747).

Funeral Masses, Baptisms, and Weddings will continue, only a small number of immediate family

members are to attend.

All parishioners are encouraged to watch the Mass online at https://www.dowr.org or on television (for

our area WKBT Channel 8, on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.)

You are encouraged to make a spiritual communion along with me every day as I offer private Mass each

day for the Intentions for the Mass that day, and all three parishes. The grace of that Mass is available to

everyone who seeks to spiritually participate and share in the Spiritual Communion that is ours in Christ

Jesus. There is truly only one Sacrifice as there was only one Calvary. Every celebration of the Eucharist

is our participation in the once and for all time Sacrifice of Christ on the Good Friday. Our desire for

Spiritual Communion will be accomplished by the Holy Spirit at work within us. Hopefully, what we see

and understand is that we are cooperators in our own salvation, as we receive God’s grace and celebrate

our redemption in Christ Jesus that was accomplished through his Passion, Death and Resurrection.

You are children of the light! Live in that light! We may not know what our immediate future holds for

us, yet we know we are accompanied by the light that is Jesus Christ. He is our comfort, strength and

healing.

During this time please pray for each and for me your pastor. Be assured of my prayers.

God bless you,

Fr. Tom