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October 9, 2020
We are communicating with you today because we have been informed that there are two confirmed cases of COVID-19 at our parish. They do not know where they were exposed to the virus.
Dear St. Albert Parishioners,
We are communicating with you again because we have been informed that there are two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 at our parish. Rita Fay wanted me to inform you that she and her husband have been confirmed positive. Although she has been out of the office this week, based on when she started having symptoms, she would have been contagious while working at the office on October 1-2.
To make sure we are doing all we can to limit the spread of the virus, we continue to be in contact with the Minnesota Department of Health as well as the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. We are closely following their directives.
We have extended the Parish Office closure for another week; until Monday, October 19. Also, all Faith Formation classes have been cancelled and St. Albert staff who have possibly been exposed will self-quarantine until October 19.
Considering these developments, we ask that those who may have been in the office and are feeling sick, should contact their doctor and request a COVID 19 test. Also, please be extra vigilant in your mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing, for the foreseeable future because we now know we have active COVID-19 in the Albertville area.
We are still able to have Mass, Confessions, and Adoration at our regularly scheduled times. Mass will continue to be livestreamed to keep you connected to our parish community.
We will continue to do our best to keep you well informed.
Our Lady, Comfort of the Sick, pray for us!
Sincerely,
Fr. Brian Park
Pastor
October 5, 2020
Dear St. Albert Parishioners,
To make sure we are doing all we can to limit the spread of the virus, the Minnesota Department of Health as well as the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have been contacted. We are closely following their directives.
Until Monday, October 12, the parish office will be closed, all Faith Formation classes have been cancelled and St Albert staff who have possibly been exposed will self-quarantine. This will allow ample time for any necessary quarantine and sanitization measures to take place.
We are still able to have Mass, Confessions, and Adoration at our regularly scheduled times. Mass will continue to be livestreamed to keep you connected to our parish community.
Let us together trust in Jesus, who throughout the ages in times of uncertainty and trial, never fails us. Our Lady, Comfort of the Sick, pray for us!
Sincerely,
Fr. Brian Park
Pastor
July 24, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
In light of the governor's mandate, Archbishop Hebda has announced that, beginning this Saturday, July 25, masks will be required when you come to church unless you have a health condition that prevents you from wearing one. We will have masks on hand if you forget to bring one.
I know this is controversial, but I ask you to be respectful of the Archbishop and of those in our community rejoining us now that masks are expected. Click here to watch Archbishop Hebda's video on the importance of wearing a mask when you come to church. More information on the governor's order is available at the links below.
God bless you all, and please continue to pray for a swift end to the coronavirus pandemic.
Fr. Brian Park
May 15, 2020
St. Albert Parishioners,
I just received this latest communication from our Archbishop Hebda (also speaking for the bishops of Minnesota) at 4:30pm this afternoon. I share the bishops’ sentiments and support them in the work that they are doing during this trying time for us all.
Know that I and Fr. Joe Zabinski continue to pray for you daily. We sense the struggle that this has all been on so many levels. Our staff and leadership will continue to serve you as creatively and generously as they have been. Thank you for your gifts of prayers, support, gratitude, supplies and food, patience and perseverance.
Please note that our parish has already been offering Mass for 10 or fewer people (basically, clergy and liturgical ministers).
Also, note the bishops’ commitment to the common good and religious freedom, as well as the upcoming meeting the middle of next week.
Archbishop Hebda's May 15, 2020 announcement along with a video can be found online here and his published letter can be found here.
We love you, but not nearly as much as Our Lord,
Fr. Peter Richards
May 1, 2020
Dear Parishioners of St. Albert,Archbishop Hebda has responded to the extended stay-at-home order by suspending public Mass until May 18, 2020. Rather than explaining all the details, please refer to his letter here and posted on the Archdiocesan website here as it includes his concerns and his decision along with the suggested implementation phases of opening up Mass to the public when that time comes.
Mass at St. Albert's will continue to be suspended at his request as well as any large gatherings. Livestream Mass will continue at St. Albert's during our regularly scheduled Mass times. Reconciliation will also continue to be held outside Drive-thru style in the West Parking Lot during our regularly scheduled Reconciliation times. Both schedules are posted on our parish website here.
Livestream can be found on our home page here as well as our Facebook page here.
Archbishop Hebda extends his sincere appreciation and prayers for the sacrifices that are being made by the faithful during this time.
April 30, 2020
Greetings,We are anticipating an announcement from Archbishop Hebda whether Mass will continue to be suspended after May 4. We will send an email and post that information on this page as soon as we hear but meanwhile we wanted to let you know of the following information for upcoming opportunities - FOUR Items Below!
HOLY WATER BOTTLES & A BLESSING from Fr. Peter Richards on Good Shepherd Sunday - May 3, 2020
Fr. Richards will be giving Holy Water Bottles and a pastor's blessing to those who come through the Drive-thru at St. Albert's following 9am livestream Mass on Good Shepherd Sunday, May 3 between 10:00-11:00am. (We have 100 bottles so while supplies last! - However, there is no limit on Father's blessing! :)
VIRTUAL MAY CROWING - Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Looking for Participants!!!
~ All are invited to join us LIVESTREAM on our website or on facebook as we celebrate Mary, Our Blessed Mother.
~ We will crown the Blessed Mother, honor her with flowers and music, and together pray the Rosary!
~ Let us place our trust in our Blessed Mother as she shines light and hope on our path.
How can we participate in the Virtual May Crowning?
1) Join us Livestream: churchofstalbert.org or on our Facebook page.
2) SEND IN A PHOTO OF YOURSELF OR OF YOUR FAMILY! Photos will be displayed on our Livestream! A beautiful way to virtually bring us all together and to ask our Blessed Mother to keep us all under her mantel of protection.
3) SEND IN YOUR PRAYER INTENTIONS! They will be placed in a basket and presented to our Blessed Mother during May Crowning.
Send Photos & Prayer Intentions by May 4 at Noon:
~ Text to: 612-581-3432 (Janet) or 612-799-4982 (Jean)
~ Email to: stalbertmnbulletin@gmail.com
or to: stalbertmnfaithformation@gmail.com
~ Drop off at the parish office OR
~ Mail to the Parish Office at PO Box 127, Albertville, MN 55301
If you have questions, please call parish office at 763-497-2474.
MOTHER'S DAY BLESSINGS - SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2020
Fr. Joe Zabinski will be giving a Mother’s Day blessing to all Mother's who come through the Drive-thru at St. Albert’s on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10 following the 9:00am (potentially livestream) Mass from 10:00-11:00am. Our Stewardship Committee will be handing out carnations for Moms and bubbles for kids.
A representative from Cornerstone Women’s Center will be handing out a special pin in honor of Mothers and in recognition of your support and the gift of life on Mother's Day!
FR. PETER RICHARDS last weekend with us at St Alberts will be June 13 and 14, 2020. Please mark your calendar. Plans for the weekend will be forthcoming! Here is a link to our website where we have posted information about our new pastor, Fr. Brian Park, who will begin at St. Albert's and St. Michael on July 1, 2020: https://churchofstalbert.org/fr-richards-announcement
As always, all updates are posted on our parish website, however not everyone has internet access nor do we have everyone's email so we ask that you share this news with others who may or may not have access to email or internet so that they may be informed as well.
God bless you!
April 17, 2020
Easter Greetings,
Below are a handful of recent updates and announcements. Please share this information with fellow parishioners who may or may not have access to the internet so that all of our parishioners can be informed.
1) Archbishop Hebda has issued an announcement this afternoon extending the suspension of public Mass and public events through Monday, May 4. See his letter here. It includes his announcement and his sincere thoughts, Easter Greetings and prayers for each and everyone of you. His recent announcement can also be found on the Archdiocesan website here.
2) Bishop Andrew Cozzens will be coming to celebrate the 9:00am Livestream Mass at St. Albert's on Divine Mercy Sunday - April 19, 2020. Fr. Joe Zabinski will also be here and will be hearing confessions prior to Mass from 8:00-8:45am.
3) Bishop Andrew Cozzens will be at St. Albert's outside from 8:00-8:45am (prior to the 9:00am Livestream Mass), under the canopy for those who would like to drive-thru to receive his Easter Blessing completing the Octave of Easter. Drive-thru under the canopy, stop, roll down your window, remain in your vehicle, and he will give you his blessing, then proceed through the drive-thru area.
4) In Celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday, Fr. Peter Richards and Fr. Joe Zabinski will be driving through the communities of St. Michael and St. Albert with the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, April 19, 2020 from 3:00-5:00pm. We will livestream 'the stop at St. Albert's' if you would like to tune in (or check archives) on our parish website churchofstalbert.org or our facebook page facebook.com/stalbertmn beginning with the ringing of the bells for the 3 o'clock hour of Divine Mercy. You are also welcome to drive to St. Albert's parking lot awaiting their arrival at approximately 3:25pm. (They will be at St. Albert's for 10 short minutes once they arrive). St. Michael is attempting to livestream the entire procession but the link has not yet been provided. See attached itinerary for the entire Procession.
5) Confession will remain Outdoors | Drive-thru style in the West Parking Lot during our regularly scheduled Reconciliation Times until further notice.
Saturday 2:00-3:45pm
Sunday 8:00-8:45am
Wednesday 8:00-8:30am
1st Saturday 8:30-9:30am
Remember to regularly check our parish website including the calendar on our homepage at churchofstalbert.org where we will provided the latest announcements, cancellations, updates, etc and please contact the parish office at 763-497-2474 or send a reply email if you have any questions.
God bless each one of you during this Easter Season!
April 16, 2020
Archbishop Hebda has informed us that the Synod 2021 has been delayed for one year - Synod 2022. The next step in the process - small groups - has been delayed and will take place in 2021. Find his letter here as well as his announcement on their website here.
April 8, 2020
If you didn't have the chance to go to confession, consider Perfect Contrition until you have the chance to do so.
Hello Parishioners of St. Albert's,
Because of COVID–19 measures in place this Lent and Holy Week of 2020, the sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession) has only limited availability. Fr. Joe and I are still offering curbside confessions Monday and Tuesday, but normally, during this time, we have much more opportunity. For this reason, I wanted to introduce “perfect contrition” to those of you who aren’t familiar with it. If those who attend individual confession more frequently, do this now, then, perhaps, there will be more availability for those who haven’t been to confession in a long time, but are drawn to individual confession because of the season.
“perfect contrition” is sorrow for one's sins based upon love for God, which includes the firm resolution not to commit them anymore.
When contrition arises from “a love by which God is loved above all else, contrition is called ‘perfect,’” the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches.
The catechism explains that perfect contrition “remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as soon as possible.”
Imperfect contrition, also known as attrition— sorrow for one’s sins based upon fear of the punishment of Hell— is sufficient for a priest to absolve you in the confessional, but not enough to obtain the forgiveness of mortal sin without sacramental confession to a priest, the catechism explains.
So, how is an act of perfect contrition done?
Practically, there are two things a Catholic must do.
The first is to pray an act of contrition "out of love for God,"
Being sorry out of love for God has often been described as having a desire to be reunited to God because of who he is-- because of God's perfect love for us, and because of sorrow for having offended God by sin. It means wanting to live in unity with God, and to put aside the sins that stand in the way.
There is no set formula for making an act of contrition, but a common one reads as follows: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You, whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin.”
Second, a Catholic must make a firm commitment to go to confession when that becomes possible.
An act of perfect contrition is not a replacement for the sacrament of penance— far from it.
Even perfect contrition is never separated from the sacrament, at least in intention. If one makes a perfect act of contrition, it's not “Oh, I don't have to go to confession any more.” Quite the opposite.
The person who says: “I have perfect contrition, but I'm not going to the sacrament” does not in fact have perfect contrition.
The sacrament of penance remains the sole, ordinary means for the forgiveness of mortal sins after baptism. Contrition is about conversion, he said, which means turning away from attachment to sin, and turning toward the sacraments.
Pope Francis recently encouraged Catholics confined to their homes to ask God for forgiveness and then to go to confession when they are able.
“You do what the Catechism says. It is very clear: if you do not find a priest to hear your confession, speak to God, he is your father, and tell him the truth...Promise him: ‘Later I will confess, but forgive me now.’ And immediately you will return to the grace of God,” Pope Francis said.
All this being said, I also recommend an act of perfect contrition to those who struggle with habitual sin. There can be, what I call “a spiraling” effect when someone falls in a serious or grave habitual sin (or in modern psychological terms – an “addiction”). One falls, then says to themselves – “I feel terrible/ashamed/angry at myself, so I want to feel better again. This sin makes me feel good for a moment, so I may as well do it again, and again, and again, until I can finally feel better through the sacrament of reconciliation”. I tell them to let the Lord make them feel better by making an act of perfect contrition right away instead of sinning again. I call this “repenting quickly”.
I hope this has been a helpful suggestion.
God bless you and have a great Holy Week!
Fr. Peter Richards
April 3, 2020
All Public Masses have been suspended through Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19. Reconciliation Times will continue to be held outside/Drive-up style so that we may observe the 6 feet social distancing. Please refer to our home page for Holy Week Liturigies and confession availability. The situition will continue to be evaluated and updates will be provided as we become aware.
March 31, 2020
Fr. Richards and Fr. Joe will be hearing confessions outdoors on Tue, Mar 31 at 7pm in place of the scheduled Penance Service due to 6 feet distancing and 10 person limit indoors. See map here.
March 27, 2020 - If you are not able connect to hear Pope Francis, try this link:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-03/pope-prayer-friday-urbietorbi-plenary-indulgence.html
March 27, 2020 Update- Pope Francis will be giving an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) Friday, March 27 at 12 Noon Central time (6pm Rome time) What makes this a great opportunity is being able to receive a plenary indulgence as certain conditions are observed.
- Archbishop Bernard Hebda has invited the faithful to join in. Please watch this video.
- Fr. Richards and Fr. Joe invite us all to tune in if we can.
More information and the link is provided here: www.archspm.org/popeblessing
March 26, 2020 Update
Archbishop Hebda responds to the new 'Stay-at-Home' Order. His statement can be found here. At St. Albert's:
- Mass will continue to be suspended through Good Friday, April 10.
- All Masses 4pm Sat, 9am Sun, 7:30am Tues & Wed and Stations of the Cross 7pm March 27 & April 3 will be Livestreamed.
- Adoration will continue in the Church for those who have scheduled hours. Visitors are also welcome to come between 9am-5pm Mon-Fri.
- Events that are cancelled and postponed will be marked accordingly on our parish calendar on our home page and also here. Youth calendar here.
- The Parish Office is closed, however we are working remotely, receiving and responding to emails and messages.
- For our TLC families, Jean Wold is working to send out homekits for the month of April.
- Bulletins are available online here. Paper copies are available at the church in the narthex. Again, for activities and events, it is still best to check our parish calendar posted on our website and the COVID-19 Update page on our website.
Please share this information with others who may not have access to the internet and please call the parish office if you have questions.
March 21, 2020 Update
During these times of uncertainty, not knowing how swiftly this coronavirus will pass, if you are able to continue your contributions to our parish, it is gratefully appreciated. If you are able to give a few more alms this Lenten season for those who are not able to with our current circumstances, God will not be outdone in generosity. With our regular and continued expenses at St. Albert’s, we truly do count on your faithful support and we do use all our resources with great care as good stewards should do. May God bless each of you during this time. You are welcome to mail in your contribution envelopes or contribute online with our online virtual giving.
Join Archbishop Hebda in praying the Stations of the Cross here. Archbishop Hebda will be livestreaming Mass. His schedule can be found here.
March 21, 2020
Hello Parish Families
You have probably heard by now that Archbishop Hebda has suspended all public Masses for the next two weeks. If you have not already read his March 18, 2020 letter to the faithful, I encourage you to do so. It is attached below.
In light of Archbishop Hebda’s announcement, we continue to look at new ways of drawing closer to Christ and as a community in this challenging time. As things currently stand:
- Eucharistic Adoration will continue in the main church for scheduled adorers allowing more space to spread out. The Church doors will be open for anyone to visit Monday-Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
- Fr. Joe and I plan to offer the scheduled Masses at St. Albert's from the main altar for the next two weeks with the intentions that are printed in the bulletin. We will livestream these Masses on our parish website and on our Facebook page so you can celebrate with us at home. Only a few scheduled liturgical ministers will be called to assist with these Masses as needed.
- In the meantime, I want to stress the importance of holy obedience, internally and externally, to the Archbishop as the shepherd of our souls. Obedience is not a popular virtue in our American and largely Protestant culture. Please do not show up to the church and try to attend Mass in person.
Again, the best source of ongoing information will be posted on our parish website page: 'COVID-19 Update' and events that are cancelled or postponed will be posted on our website calendar located on our website homepage at www.churchofstalbert.org. If you are unable to access the website, please call our parish office at 763-497-2474 with any questions you may have.
Please pray that this outbreak comes to a swift end, and that our longing for the Eucharist be deepened and sustained even after Masses resume as usual. God bless you all!
Fr. Peter Richards,
Pastor
March 19, 2020 Update - For parish events that are cancelled or postponed, please refer to our parish calendar which can be found on our home page for easy access or parish calendar page here.
March 18, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
I have attached the Archbishop’s letter announcing his decision to cancel public Masses immediately. For us, that will begin immediately after tomorrow morning’s, Thursday, March 19 th’s celebration of the Solemnity of St. Joseph at St. Michael at 7:30am, with our current guidelines for celebration of Mass during these trying times.
I have heard from many of you about your sadness and I concur with the Archbishop’s sorrow about this announcement. Please read his whole letter. He has many great spiritual recommendations. He is a great Archbishop. But, I would like to point out two things.
First, the next two weeks are critical and there will be a re-evaluation after two weeks in relation to the civic authorities reports. Secondly, priests are working with the lay faithful to find creative ways to offer Mass to a limited amount of faithful, that includes our parishes. Please stay tuned!
Remember, all of this is uncharted territory. I know you are praying for your priests and leadership. We are praying for you.
God bless you! You are the best parishioners anywhere!
In Christ,
Fr. Peter Richards
Pastor
Attachment: Archbishop Hebda's March 18, 2020 Letter
Archbishop Hebda Suspends Mass in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
March 18, 2020 - Archbishop Hebda announced that all public Masses will be suspended for two weeks in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. For complete details regarding this decision, please refer to Archbishop Hebda's statement found here.
Archbishop Hebda's Response to the State of Emergency
March 13, 2020 - Archbishop Hebda advised all parishes on within the Archdiocese to limit the capacity of attendance at Mass to no more than 250 people as well as limited small group interaction. His decision is based on Governor Time Walz declaring a State of Emergency and the advisement from the Minneapolis Department of Health. For complete details regarding this decision, please refer to Archbishop Hebda's statement found here.
- Mass will be held at St. Albert's however we will observe that only 250 max capacity will be able to attend.
Archbishop Hebda's Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus
March 12, 2020 - In ordinary circumstances, Catholics are obliged to participate in Mass on Sundays and other holy days of obligation. This obligation has been suspended by Archbishop Hebda in cases of moral or physical impossibility, and may also be dispensed for a just cause when it is for the spiritual good of the faithful. In addition, the Church also has the obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable and those who care for the sick. Find Archbishop Hebda's Statement regarding Dispensation from Sunday Mass Obligation here.
Church of St. Albert's Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus:
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and our parish have been following concerns about the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus. While there is a great deal of information circulating about this virus, the biggest concern is that it spreads relatively easily and poses a serious threat to some members of our community. To slow the spread of the virus and reduce the number of people affected, we will observe the following guidelines for Mass:
- As always, if you feel sick or have flu-like symptoms, please stay home. You are relieved of your Sunday obligation if you are ill or caring for someone who is ill.
- Before Mass, please greet each other without touching.
- The Sign of Peace during Mass will be temporarily suspended.
- Only the priest will receive the Precious Blood from the Chalice as is necessary for validity of the Mass.
- Please refrain from hand-holding during the Our Father.
- The Holy Water fonts will be temporarily empty.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are reminded to sanitize their hands before and after distribution of the Eucharist.
In addition to these guidelines, we strongly discourage you from receiving Holy Communion on the tongue until the spread of the virus is contained. We realize this is a deeply personal decision for people, and we cannot require anyone to receive in the hand or on the tongue. We would ask you to keep in mind two considerations:
- Hands are readily sanitized, but mouths are not. Accidental contact with a communicant’s mouth or tongue immediately affects the communicant, the minister and everyone who receives Communion afterward.
- There is not a single, proper way to receive, so it is reasonable to consider an alternative as a temporary sacrifice for the good of the community. Both methods of receiving Holy Communion have been supported by priests, bishops, popes and saints throughout the history of the Church.
Thank you for observing these guidelines. Please pray for those who are sick and for a swift end to this outbreak.