Parish Updates due to COVID-19

For over two years now we have been following a number of COVID precautions here at St. Katharine Drexel as directed by the Minnesota Department of Health, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, and on the advice of parishioners in the medical professions. We appreciate your patience and cooperation with our use of the precautions.  

However, at this time, since our latest review of the level of infection here in Anoka County indicates that it is Medium, with a lower number of reported cases than previously reported, we are rescinding all previous precautions.  In effect this means, that though we will remain diligent and cautious, no one needs to wear a mask for worship or for other parish functions. This includes all Liturgical Ministers and those serving hospitality. For Liturgical Ministers to the Care Facilities the parish serves, please follow the precautious as outlined by those Facilities. For those ministering to the home-bound, please inquire of those being served if you should remain masked.

We will continue to make available hand sanitizer for your use (Eucharistic Ministers and those in Hospitality Ministry, we ask that you still use hand sanitizer before you serve).  We will also continue to have masks available for those who choose to use them and may have forgotten your own.

All who wish to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others should feel free to do so, that is your right.  Also if you are at high risk for illness consider wearing a mask indoors in public, and please know that we will continue live-streaming Sunday Mass going forward for all who do not yet wish to worship in person.  The blue section of chairs directly in front of the Blessed Virgin Mary altar will remain for the exclusive use of those who choose to continue to wear masks and would be more comfortable sitting there.

As always, we should all stay up to date with the COVID vaccines and boosters; get tested if we show symptoms and if tested positive follow any and all prescribed protocols, this is simply a matter of Christian charity and care for the common good.

As I indicated earlier, we will continue to be diligent about monitoring the situation and should it be wise, upon advice, that we return to any and all necessary precautions we will do so without hesitation.

Let us continue to hold in prayer all who are still suffering from COVID and any long term effects of this disease, and for all our brothers and sisters in the medical profession who spend their lives in the care of those in need. 

Prayers and Blessings!

Father Paul, the Parish Staff and Lay-leadership