ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THURS, FRI AND SAT
We are grateful that as of May 27^th the Archbishop in cooperation with the Governor has allowed churches to reopen for public liturgies provided the parish has adequate personnel and supplies to implement required safety directives from the Archdiocese.  The maximum capacity allowable for a public Mass is now 25% capacity or 250 people, whichever number is less. As we continue to develop and implement our procedures and protocols, we will begin to incrementally make the opportunity for public Masses available to registered parishioners at the Church of St. Joseph. 
Please consider registering for one of our upcoming Masses on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (May 28-30.) We are limiting these initial Masses to 30 in attendance.  We ask that you are respectful to others by signing up for only one of these Masses.  As the weekend approaches, we will announce further opportunities for parishioners to sign up for weekend Masses as well.
Please follow these guidelines to maintain a safe worship environment for all.
If you are sick, elderly, or chronically ill, please stay home.  The Obligation to attend Mass and Holy Days continues to be suspended as the pandemic continues.
Follow best hygienic practices.  Use hand sanitizer available at church or bring your own.  Avoid touching your face.  Cover coughs and sneezes.  Use the restroom at home before arriving.
Wear a mask.  This practice is strongly recommended for all over the age of two.
Practice social distancing.  Remain 6 feet away from others not in the same household.   Be mindful of the pews that are roped off from usage.
Follow directions and signs.  Please enter and exit through designated doors to maintain proper flow of traffic.
Be prepared for a quieter and shorter Mass.  Congregational singing will be avoided.  Hymnals and missals have been removed.
An Offertory container will be available as you enter the Church for weekend Masses.  We are grateful for your continued support.
Safely receive Communion.  The priest will come to you at the conclusion of the Mass to bring you Communion.  Stand or kneel with extended arms to receive in the palms of your hands (no gloves) with your mask on.  After receiving Communion, remove mask to consume the Host, and then replace mask.
Take a moment of quiet prayer.  Depart through one of the designated exits being mindful of social distancing.
Go in Peace.  Save social gathering for when it safe to do.  Please avoid congregating while at church.
 

On Tuesday, May 26, Governor Walz will issue a new executive order that allows faith communities to accommodate up to 250 people for worship services, provided precautions are taken to protect public health.We welcome that development. We know that Governor Walz and his administration are trusting that when faith communities gather, they will do so consistent with public health guidance. Our commitment as Catholics to the common good makes it natural for us to pledge to be good citizens when we gather for worship.
READ ARCHBISHOP HEBDA'S LETTER HERE
LINK TO STATEMENT ON ARCHDIOCESE WEBSITE