August 6, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s statement re: Retirement of Bishop John Levoir
August 6, 2020 BISHOP KETTLER’S STATEMENT RE: RETIREMENT OF BISHOP JOHN LEVOIR Bishop Donald Kettler of the Diocese of Saint Cloud issued the following statement today: “It was announced today that Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop John LeVoir of the Diocese of New Ulm due to health reasons. I want to thank Bishop…
July 23, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s letter to pastors
July 23, 2020 Dear Pastor, Gov. Tim Walz issued an executive order on Wednesday that mandates the wearing of masks starting Saturday, July 25, in all public indoor spaces and businesses, unless a person is alone. This includes churches, non-public schools and parish offices/public spaces. I have attached the order to this email. With regard…
July 8, 2020 – Statement from Bishop Donald Kettler re: Sentencing of Fr. Anthony Oelrich
July 8, 2020 STATEMENT FROM BISHOP DONALD KETTLER RE: SENTENCING OF FR. ANTHONY OELRICH The following is a statement from St. Cloud Bishop Donald Kettler: “Father Anthony Oelrich, who pleaded guilty last November to criminal sexual conduct with an adult woman, was sentenced today to 41 months in prison. “To the victim/survivor, I am so…
June 19, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s letter to pastors
June 19, 2020 Dear Pastor, Over the course of the last week, the Minnesota Department of Health issued updated guidance for faith communities, including requirements for providing food and beverages for onsite consumption. Instituting these new provisions will require thoughtful planning, and they will need to be incorporated into each parish’s preparedness plan. As we…
June 5, 2020 — Bishop Kettler letter to pastors
June 5, 2020 Dear Pastor, Today, Gov. Walz announced that faith communities may hold worship services at 50% capacity (a change from the current 25%) with a 250-person limit, whichever is less, starting June 10. We will update our diocesan protocols to be in line with this change. Thank you for observing all of our…
June 4, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s letter to the pastors
June 2, 2020 Dear Pastor, I’m writing to address a concern I have about the faithful choosing not to wear masks during liturgies. I witnessed not everyone using them at a recent liturgy I celebrated. As you know, our diocesan protocols/guidelines for the resumption of larger public Masses recommend, but don’t require, members of the…
May 29, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s letter to the pastors
Dear Pastors, I want to address a few matters that have transpired over the course of the last week: As you know, on Tuesday, it was announced that the diocese and survivors of clergy sexual abuse reached agreement on a framework to resolve all abuse claims against the diocese and parishes. In the next couple…
May 23, 2020 – FAQ about the new executive order
FAQ about the new executive order and forthcoming guidance for re-opening places of worship Q: When does the executive order (EO) take effect? A: The EO takes effect Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Q: How many people does the new executive order allow to gather inside a church? A: The EO states that in…
May 23, 2020 – Bishop Kettler’s statement regarding governor’s new executive order
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I want to inform you about an important breakthrough in our state that will allow for greater worship opportunities for all people. This breakthrough is consistent with our need to protect public health as we take significant precautions in how we come together and pray. In the next couple…
May 20, 2020 – Minnesota Catholic bishops’ letter regarding resumption of public Masses
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, along with many people of faith, were disappointed in Governor Walz’s May 13 announcement that he would end the Stay-at-Home order to allow more commerce but prohibit religious gatherings of more than ten people. We have attempted to work collaboratively with the Walz Administration…