COVID Update

UPDATE – January 11, 2022
In light of the Osseo Maple Grove District moving to at-home online learning model, we have made the decision to pause formal Faith Formation programing for a couple weeks. Like our schools, we have also seen a significant increase in students and catechist absences due to illness. For now, all Faith Formation programs will take a pause. It is our plan to resume Elementary and Junior High Faith Formation programing on January 25/26. Our Sunday Nursery, Sunday School and OneWith programs will resume on Sunday, January 30. Additional information will be sent out in the coming days, especially as it relates to rescheduling the Confirmation Candidate and Sponsor evening that was scheduled for Sunday, January 16.
SJTW is concerned about your safety and the safety of those around you. Because of that, we feel it necessary to implement a few new protocols.
 

Brothers and sisters in Christ.

The number of people who have come down with COVID is on the rise again. We thought we were getting things under control until this new variant emerged, and people started moving back inside because of the weather. Almost weekly the staff and I meet to discuss the situation and strategize. The challenge, as you can imagine, is making plans one day only to discover that adjustments are necessary the very next day. Several of our parishioners have expressed concern about their safety and the safety of those around them. Because of that, we feel it necessary to implement a few new protocols.

Masks are strongly encouraged anytime while visiting or inside the SJTW facility.

Masks are required for all those attending the Saturday 5 PM Mass.
The foyer space and St. Joe Hall will be available for those without masks at the Saturday evening Mass.

Masks are strongly encouraged when visiting our facility, and for those attending the Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 AM Masses. This is important out of care and concern for the parishioners who may need extra protection because of a weakened immune system. 

Those who may still feel uncomfortable worshipping with us in person are invited to do so from the safety of their car in our parking lot (106.7 FM signal is available at all Mass times). We always bring Communion out to those in our parking lot. 

There are two sections of pews that are designated for those who prefer to practice safe distancing. Those sections are marked and require masks.
We installed an ionization system in our air handling unit that works to remove covid germs from the air, as well as replacing the air in the entire facility every 15 minutes.
Please be kind to each other especially as we work through the ever-changing COVID landscape.

Please know that my concern is how to provide that safest environment for ALL our parishioners. We have members of all ages, members with threatened immune systems, as well as members who are not vaccinated. All of you are important to me. I believe that these changes will give most people a sense that they are in control of their lives while at the same time providing options for people of all needs. I hope and pray that you will do your part in making sure we can all enjoy the time at St. Joseph the Worker because we are one family in Christ. We care for one another.

It is my hope and prayer you and your family will have a joy filled Christmas this year with memories to last a whole year.

Love,

Fr. Mike