Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Catholic Church

Today, May 24, Fr. Moudry, Cathy Miske, Marie Ulstad and Willard Miller met to discuss our plans for the near future at OLMC.
 
We know that all of you are eager to return to normal, but everyone has concerns. We have heard from some parishioners that they would like to have the opportunity to receive the Eucharist. Others have voiced concerns of having large groups which could spread the virus.  
 
The safety of you and all who would attend services at OLMC is of the highest importance. The Bishops of Minnesota have stated that we should only reopen when the many recommended safety protocols can be met. We believe that we are prepared to meet those requirements. 
 
During the last 2 weeks, we have been monitoring the Coronavirus situation in Minnesota closely. We have been receiving continuously updated guidance from Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health, the CDC, as well as our insurance provider Catholic Mutual, Archbishop Hebda and the Archdiocese Center for Worship. Based on this guidance, Cathy Miske and Willard Miller have developed a plan specific to OLMC.
 
Earlier this week, Governor Walz signed an executive order allowing churches to open at 25% of capacity, which would allow us to have 50 people in attendance up from 10 previously allowed. This was then followed by the Mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul urging churches and other houses of worship to maintain the limit of 10. This is because Minnesota has had its highest number of cases this past week. Hennepin, Ramsey and Anoka counties are showing high rates of new infections.  
 
Based on the current statistics in Minnesota, we have decided that we will have multiple short prayer and communion services on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month in June, July and most likely August. We will continue to monitor the situation and will make changes as the situation requires. 
 
We will be reaching out to parishioners to reserve times. We will initially limit each prayer and communion service to 10 participants in June and based on feedback adjust if necessary. Each service is expected to be 20 minutes and will include readings, prayers and communion. Services will be led by Cathy and/or Willard. The Archdiocese has asked that no one over age 65 should distribute communion, including priests. Priests over age 65 can preside over Mass, but should go directly to and from the altar to the Sacristy. We have decided in an effort to protect Fr. Moudry, that we will not have him come out until we are ready to have Mass at church. He will have a private Mass to consecrate hosts as we need them. Face masks and social distancing between households will be required.

We will have a 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM service available with an ASL interpreter and 11:00 AM, 12:00 Noon and 1:00 PM service that will not have an ASL interpreter. We would like to give priority to the ASL interpreted services to the Deaf and their families. If you would like to reserve a spot, please email OLMC@OLMCMPLS.org and we will make sure you get contacted. 
 
Parishioners are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation remains suspended as long as the pandemic continues. It is strongly advised that anyone 65 and older or with preexisting health conditions should avoid public gatherings. Anyone who would like to request a private service can contact Willard at OLMC@OLMCMPLS.org.
 
We will be issuing a separate statement on cleaning efforts that will be undertaken before, between and following each service. We will also include a list of other changes that are required, such as masks, no gathering in Malley Hall, etc.  
 
The Archbishop has asked that we all pray for those impacted by COVID-19, to pray for the Health Care workers who care for them, and for the speedy end of this pandemic. 

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.