Check back here for the latest COVID-19 updates at Nativity of Our Lord.
(New updates will be added to this post.)

 

Masks Now Optional for Eucharistic Ministers

March 9, 2022
 

Latest Parish COVID-19 Policy

January 13, 2022
 
While St. Paul reinstated its mask mandate for licensed business, churches like Nativity of Our Lord are not included. The parish will continue to strongly recommend facial coverings, but will not require mask wearing at this time.

• Click here for our current updated COVID-19 policy for the church.

 

Adoration Expands Tuesday-Wednesday

July 2, 2021
 
We are now able to officially expand our Adoration hours on Tuesday nights (10pm-12am), Wednesday mornings (12am-8am), and Wednesday afternoons (3pm-5:30pm).

 

Weekday Liturgies Expand 7/2

June 12, 2021

Tuesday and Friday 5pm Masses will return, with Confessions beforehand beginning July 2. Distancing requirements have been removed to allow for more natural spacing in between households. Adoration will move to the Adoration chapel, allowing for expansion overnight Tuesday into Wednesday afternoon, pending requisite commitments.

 

Transition to Full Capacity: Seating Restrictions Now Removed in Church

Updated June 4, 2021

We have also now removed seating restrictions in the church, to allow for more natural spacing than our every-other-row setup allowed.

While we will no longer enforce social distancing requirements, we know that some of those who worship will still prefer spacing between households. Lets let charity and prudence guide us as we adapt to a fuller church, and give space to those who desire it.

Overflow seating will continue to be available in Steiner Hall with livestreamed video for those who wish to space further.

Our goal remains to return to full capacity as soon as possible, while also ensuring a smooth transition, so that as many people as possible feel as comfortable as possible returning to in-person liturgies.

We have also now opened entry and exiting from any of the doors, and seating and Communion will no longer require ushers.

 

Masks No Longer Required at Mass

Updated June 4, 2021

With the end of the emergency mask orders in Minnesota and St. Paul, masks will no longer be required in the church at Nativity of Our Lord. 

We do recommend that those who are not vaccinated wear a mask and maintain a safe distance, especially while singing.

Finally, priests and others who distribute Holy Communion will continue to wear a mask when doing so.

 

Sunday Obligation Resumes 7/1

June 3, 2021

As the pandemic subsides and restrictions have been lifted, the Minnesota bishops have reinstated the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021.
 

 

Mass Schedule Change Begins August 1

May 28, 2021

In order to accommodate anticipated increasing congregational sizes, we are happy to announce that we will be adding an additional Sunday morning Mass at 7:30am. This will also necessitate moving our current 8:15am Sunday Mass to 9am.

Revised Sunday Mass Schedule (as of 8/1):

• 5pm (Saturday vigil)
• 7:30am
• 9am
• 11am
• 5pm

 

Events Policy and Reservation Form

May 3, 2021
 

We have a new system for room reservations, volunteer needs, et al.
In lieu of the former "Room Reservation form," just click the button below:

Event Request Form

• Click here for our COVID-19 Event Policy | Updated March 3, 2021

Congregational Singing Returns

March 25, 2021

A limited amount of congregational singing will return to Lord’s Day Masses at Nativity of Our Lord on Palm Sunday, March 27-28.

The Minnesota Department of Health has now allowed for congregational singing while following the masking and distancing guidance. In particular...

• Individuals who are not part of a household group must be separated by a physical distance of at least six feet, and household groups must be separated from other household groups by more than six feet, whenever possible; and
• Attendees or members of the congregation must wear face coverings during the entire service or ceremony, even when singing or chanting.

While congregational singing has been approved, Nativity will limit it for the time being.  We know that singing is an important part of the Mass, but also believe in keeping people comfortable and safe, so we will take a conservative and gradual approach in returning congregational singing to the liturgy. For this reason, the 8:15am Mass on Sunday mornings will remain without congregational singing.

 
 

Palms Available Outside for Those Not Attending Mass

March 25, 2021

For those unable to join us for Palm Sunday Mass this weekend, we invite you to come pick up a blessed palm outside the main (north-facing doors) between 9:30 and 10:00 AM on Palm Sunday, March 28, 2021.


 

Outdoor Communion Services on School Plaza Now at 4:00 P.M.

Updated Monday, December 7, 2020

This allows participants to remain in their cars in the drive-through loop or to stand outside on the shovelled plaza if they choose to walk. Those in cars can tune in to 89.5FM on their radio to hear, and the clergy will come to their car window with the Eucharist.
 

 

Reservations Required for Christmas Mass Attendance

Thursday, December 3, 2020
 
To help us maintain appropriate safety measures, we will require reservations for Christmas Mass attendance. Reservations will open on Monday, December 7 at 9:00 AM — first come, first served.

• Click here for our plans for 2020 Christmas Liturgies.

 

Adoration Commitments Needed; Adoration Now Limited to Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Thursday, December 3, 2020

Beginning next week, we will return to an Adoration schedule requiring hourly commitments to better ensure continuous coverage. This will necessitate a restricted Adoration schedule as we build up commitments. Please sign up for a weekly hour today!

 

 

Mask Reminder

Saturday, November 21, 2020

We continue to require all in the church to wear a mask over mouth and nose for all of mass. In addition to health reasons, we also want to ensure that all can enter into prayer without distraction or worry, and for many proper mask wearing greatly contributes to their ability to pray. Thank you for your continued cooperation and collaboration in this effort.
 

 

Music Returns to 5pm Sunday Mass

Friday, November 6, 2020

We are pleased to announce that we are re-incorporating music to the 5pm Sunday Mass, in its usual contemporary format, effective this Sunday, November 8. Congregational singing will continue to be suspended indefinitely.
 

 

Exit Mass Out the Nearest Side Door

Friday, November 6, 2020

While we have been asking you to exit Mass via the front (southern) doors during the pandemic, we now invite you to exit out the nearest side door to you. So the back sections may now leave out the two side back doors. Please do remember to keep 6 feet of distancing between households as you exit.

 

Leaving Handouts and Other Items Prohibited

Friday, November 6, 2020

Please remember that items are not to be placed in the church for other people to pick up, whether pamphlets, flyers, or otherwise. While we have always asked that you clear such things with the parish office for oversight, health and safety during this ongoing pandemic have made this even more important. Thank you!

 

Grief Group Suspended through December

November 3, 2020

Nativity of Our Lord’s grief support group will remain suspended through December, and will re-evaluate the possibility of meeting again in January.

If you are in need of grief-related help, or otherwise have questions, please call the
parish office at (651) 696-5401.

You can also visit www.growingthroughlosstcsouth.com/ for metro grief support groups and online resources, including a video from one-time Nativity grief speaker Brenda DeMotte.

 

Election Day Mass Live-Stream Only; No Adoration

October 30

Mass on Election Day will be live-streamed from the rectory chapel and not open to the public, and there will be no Adoration throughout the day.

Voting Resources

• Minnesota Catholic Conference
• United States Council of Catholic Bishops
• Relevant Radio
• Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life

 

No Fall Anointing Mass; Individual Appointments Available

October 30

While we are not hosting an Anointing Mass this fall due to COVID-19, please contact the parish office at (651) 696-5401 or info@nativitystpaul.org if you would like to receive the Sacrament of Anointing.  

 

Adoration Exposing and Reposing Instructions

October 22

Adoration is a great gift of God himself to the Church, and we are blessed to offer this great devotion here at Nativity of Our Lord, even as it must be limited during COVID-19 restrictions.

This unique opportunity to "adore" Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament — exposed, if you will, in the monstrance (the ornate gold display stand) — requires that someone be present in the church at all times while Adoration is occurring.

The pastor has delegated all parishioners and visitors the permission to expose and repose the Blessed Sacrament, if necessary.

 

Liturgy Changes Coming September 26

September 17

The 5pm Mass will re-open to the public and Communion returns to its normal time during Mass (on a trial basis), both beginning Saturday, September 26. Plus, the Nativity Choir plans a return.

 

AdorationPro Hiatus

August 18
 
Our parish account at AdorationPro, our online Adoration scheduling software, will be on hiatus until further notice. We do plan to re-activate our account in the future.
 
 

Confessions Times and Location Update

August 12
 
Confessions will be offered at different times as well as moving inside beginning next week.

Beginning Wednesday, August 19, Confessions will be moving inside the church — with a private, anonymous option — and will be available at the following times:

• Wednesday | 4:30-5:30 PM
• Saturday | 3:30-4:30 PM

Confessions will no longer be offered outside on weekend mornings after August 16.

 

Volunteers Needed to Resume 7am Sunday Mass

August 6
 
We would like to resume the 7am Sunday Mass, and we need your help!

If you want to help as a Greeter/Usher or to help distribute Communion on Sundays at 7am, and are low-risk for COVID-19, please let us know!

We are also looking for a few more volunteers to help at our other Masses throughout the week and weekend, including those who can commit to a regular schedule and those who can be available as a substitute.

Contact the parish office for more information.

 

Arrive Early to Mass to Ensure Seating

August 6

 

Please Exit Upon Completion of Mass

Updated Octber 19

Help Disinfect the Church after Sunday Mass

August 6

We would love your help after Sunday Mass to help us disinfect the church. If you would like to help, just come back in the main doors in the back after you’ve exited following Communion, and we’ll be happy to put you to work! We’ll be done within 15 minutes.

 

Sign-Ups Suspended for All Masses, All Are Welcome to Attend Any Public Masses

Updated July 6
 
We now offer the following public liturgies:

• Monday-Saturday | 8:15 AM
• Sunday | 8:15 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:00 PM
• (Saturday’s 5:00 PM Lord’s Day vigil Mass will continue to be private and live-streamed; we will also continue to live-stream the 8:15 AM Mass seven days a week.)

Click here for more information.

We are happy to announce that sign-ups are no longer required for any of our public Masses. Congregants will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Music to Be Added to the Sunday 11am Mass

July 2

We will be adding some music to the 11am Mass. Congregational singing remains suspended until further notice, and all other public Masses will remain without music.

 
 

New Adoration Times

Updated August 25

• Monday-Friday: 9am-10pm
  • The Blessed Sacrament may be reposed on occasion from 11am-1pm to accommodate necessary rehearsals, maintenance, et al. All are still welcome to pray during these times, but note there may be extra noise and activity.
• Saturday-Sunday: 6pm-10pm
  • Adjusted from 6:30pm-10pm on 8/25

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan

June 8
 
Click here to view our COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for liturgies at Nativity of Our Lord.

 

Arch. Hebda's Messages Re: Executive Order to Expand Public Liturgy Attendance in MN

May 23

• Letter from Archbishop Hebda Regarding New Executive Order Allowing Larger Faith-based Gatherings (May 23)
• Update on plan to return to public Masses at Nativity (May 22) 

  

 

New Controlled Entry

May 22

 

Home-Made Masks Wanted for Confession, Communion

Updated May 22

In the interest of health and safety, we encourage you to cover your face with a mask or scarf when coming to the rectory to receive the Reconciliation or Holy Communion

Confessions are available on both Saturday and Sunday from 9-10am.  Find them at the parish rectory, just next door to the church on the south side at 324 Prior Ave. S. 

Registered households can now sign up to receive Holy Communion in the month of May (Mon-Fri, 4:30-5:30pm).

In order to provide masks for those without, we invite our crafty members of the parish to donate home-made masks to the parish office. Please contact Katie Schaitberger for more information.

 

New Leaflet Missals Available

Updated May 15

Stop by the church during Adoration (see hours here) to pick up a Leaflet Missal in the back of church or a bottle of holy water in the front next to the ambo.

Please take care not to touch anything except what you take. Thank you!



Recommended Preventative Measures

Updated May 1

The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as Coronavirus (from https://www.catholicmutual.org/):

• Stay home when you are sick, especially if you have these symptoms:
  • Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking, Muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (at least six feet!).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow vs. your hand (you can spread germs when touching items after coughing or sneezing into your hand).
• Wash your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before eating. If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Use the provided disinfectant wipe(s) from the canisters in the church to wipe down your pew area before you sit down.

 

Live-streamed Mass from Nativity

• Nativity Online Liturgies

Join us for live-streamed Lord’s Day Mass from Nativity of Our Lord at 5pm on Saturdays (vigil) and Sundays at 8:15am.  Daily Mass will be live-streamed at 8:15am Monday-Saturday.

These recordings are also available on our Facebook Page.

 

Online Mass How-Tos

Updated April 4

Watching a video stream of Mass from home is new to most of us. Want some ideas on how to make the best out of an imperfect situation?

• Fr. Nick made a video to explain. Check out the video at left or click here to watch.
• Check out this infographic from the Archdiocese.
• Magnificat has offered its daily online Mass guide for free.
• Make a “spiritual communion” asking Jesus to enter your heart spiritually, if not physically. A prayer is available here.

 

Stewardship

• Donate online now

Like many individuals, families, and organizations, this time has put a particular strain on our finances. We know that many of you are similarly hurting or are otherwise financially vulnerable. For those of you who are able, please enroll in our online giving program, which is available here.

We are also still accepting cash and checks at the parish office, and you can also contact Joyce Kotta to donate over the phone at (651) 696-5436.

And, if you have the means, please consider making an additional gift to help sustain us during this time.

 

Video Messages from the Parish

Added April 4

• Click here for Video Messages from the Parish

 

Litany in Time of Need

As a sign of unity, Archbishop Hebda asks that all of us — especially students — to pray the “Litany in Time of Need” each day at 11:00 AM for protection and help.

• Litany in Time of Need
• Pray the Stations of the Cross with Archbishop Hebda.

 

Holy Week 2020

Added April 4

Make the most of the holiest time of the year! Click here for our Holy Week schedule and videos from Nativity, the Archdiocese, and beyond.

• Virtual Holy Week

Extraordinary Papal Blessing

Added March 28

Pope Francis on Friday, March 27 offered an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world), which comes with the opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence.

• Watch the video

 

Public Masses Suspended

Following Archdiocesan directives, there will be no public Masses at Nativity of Our Lord after Wednesday, 3/18 for at least two weeks.

• Read full statement from Fr. Patrick
• Read full statement from Archbishop Hebda

We are currently brainstorming ways to continue offering Mass again. Please stay tuned for updates.

 

Sunday Mass Dispensation

Archbishop Bernard Hebda announced on 3/12 his decision to dispense all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis from their obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.

This is a rare dispensation and a decision the Archbishop said he did not take lightly.

• Read his full letter.
• Watch a video with a statement from Archbishop Hebda.

  

Alternative Prayers and Liturgies

While we are unable to celebrate liturgies together in person, we recommend the following, particularly on Sunday, which remains holy as the Lord’s Day:

• Make a “spiritual communion” asking Jesus to enter your heart spiritually, if not physically. A prayer is available here.

• Watch or listen to Mass:
  • Online - Nativity will live-stream our Saturday 5pm Mass on Facebook, with the recording available there and on our website thereafter.
  • On TV - Broadcast at 11:00 AM on KSTC-TV/45
  • On the Radio - Broadcast at 9:00 AM on Relevant Radio 1330am
• Pray the Liturgy of the Hours, the Rosary, or other devotions. Visit https://nativity-mn.org/online-resources for more information.

• In lieu of Confession, the faithful are encouraged to make a regular examination of conscience — even daily — and to pray for forgiveness whenever aware of personal sin, particularly an Act of Contrition.

• Pray the Stations of the Cross with Archbishop Hebda.

• Join the NCCW in praying the Coronavirus Novena. (They began it on Friday, March 20 — but you're welcome to join them at any time, or start at the beginning!) 

• Stay tuned to our website, weekly email (sign up here), and social media (Facebook at Twitter) for the latest updates and further digital opportunities.
  • Archdiocesan updates are available here.

 

Senior Care Visits

Another unfortunate but necessary health precaution — and one outside of our control — is a restriction on Pastoral Care visits to senior care facilities.

Please keep our senior parishioners in our thoughts and prayers, especially those who will be without the sacraments for the immediate future, as we do our best to navigate these restrictions.

We are still totally committed to providing the Last Rites — please don't hesitate to reach out if someone is close to death, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just dial the main office at (651) 696-5401 and press 1 if you receive the recording.

 

Event Cancellations

The well-being of our community members is our number one priority, and in particular the most vulnerable.

Consequently, we feel compelled to act in accord with our leadership at the Archdiocesan level — in consultation with relevant expert recommendations in the medical field — to help ensure the safety of those under our leadership.

There is still, of course, much that is unclear about the threat that the new coronavirus poses. Even still, we find it prudent, in the spirit of caution, to adjust our upcoming schedule and enact some temporary changes to our protocol.

Between now and March 31 we have suspended all Nativity on-site events except for Adoration. The School is closed. The ELC will remain close after Friday, 3/20. RCIA and Faith Formation have moved to temporary distance-learning models, along with the school.

The following events have been suspended (some potentially to be rescheduled later; this is an incomplete list. See https://nativity-mn.org/events for more):

• Both Fish Fry events - March 13 & April 3
• Best Lent Ever Group - Mondays in Lent
• Grandparents Rosary - Tuesdays
• Stations of the Cross - Fridays in Lent
• Children's Adoration Hour - Fridays
• NELC Grandparents Day - April 1
• 5th Grade Concert - April 2
• First Friday Fellowship - April 3

 

Ongoing Communication

Please bookmark this page and  return here for parish updates moving forward.

Please also subscribe to our email newsletter if you haven’t yet, and updates will also be posted on Facebook and Twitter. Contact Tim at the parish office ( info@nativity-mn.org or 651-696-5401) if you’d like to receive a bulletin by mail or help subscribing to our emails or social media.

Other links:

• Archdiocesan updates
• CDC
• MDH
• WHO

 

Solidarity

Please join us in prayer for any and all of those affected by this illness, and that Our Lord may intervene to halt its spread.

As the Archbishop says, “God’s providence is allowing this trial during the sacred time of Lent,” and “invites us especially to direct our spiritual exercises to benefit the sick and those caring for them, including the Church’s ministers.”

The Archbishop invites us to join him in a special day of fasting, abstinence, and prayer “invoking God’s help in these challenging days for our Archdiocese, our country and the world ... Wednesday, March 18, 2020.”

He asks those of us who are strong and healthy to replicate the Ash Wednesday and Good Friday disciplines — and all of us to pray, the rosary in particular — for those who are sick and those who care for them.

Finally, THANK YOU for your patience, understanding, cooperation, and collaboration during this challenging time. May Our Sovereign and Loving Lord, through the intercession of Mary Our Mother, protect and provide for us in this time of need. Amen!

 

Prayer for those affected by the Coronavirus

May the sick be granted a swift recovery, the medical personnel receive the support they need, and those grieving the loss of loved ones be sustained by the hope of eternal life and the care of the Church.  Amen!