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One of the things that I have noticed about people who struggle to make sense of this COVID-19 is the change that has come over people.  Neighbors are walking more and meeting other neighbors.  People are stopping along the sidewalks and in parking lots to talk to one another.

Cold breakfasts and lunches will be provided at no charge to students at 13 designated sites.

CROSS is committed to serving families and individuals in times of need by providing mercy and compassionate supportive services.

The Gospel for this 5th Sunday in Lent is about Lazarus, his death and his resurrection.  Death is a natural part of everyday life.  Whenever I leave something behind, the old house I grew up in, my old job, a school building with those friends, there is a loss that brings to mind death itself.  It is a letting go of something.

Today is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad!  Years ago there was a movie called "The Bridge over the River Kwai".  The officer in charge of the prisoners of war insisted that each man shave and stay clean because they were first and foremost, soldiers of Great Britain.

View the latest updates from the Archdiocese on the Coronavirus/COVID-19

The Confirmation Celebration Mass at the Basilica of St. Mary on April 27, 2020 has been cancelled. Click on heading to learn more.

An opportunity now exists to move forward in our efforts to learn about Spiritual Resilience and the spiritual practices that lead us as human beings to develop strength, courage and fortitude! This is a 7 week online program. It is self-directed, self-paced, and will launch on Monday of Holy Week, April 6.

The church building is closed, but you as the Church in our community can continue with prayer and by sharing your faith, hope and love by staying connected to the people and relationships in your lives.

Find several links to informative online resources.

From Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda, March 25, 2020

Dear People of God, St. Patrick may have driven the snakes out of Ireland but it appears the COVID 19 has driven us out of our churches.  Thank goodness we are not driven from our computers.  It is with a very heavy heart that I am announcing that all Masses with a congregation at St. Joe’s are cancelled indefinitely.

Letter to the Faithful from Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda:

Please visit the webpage for a current listing of cancelled events and activities at SJTW.

One of the great things about St. Joseph the Worker is that our door is always open to doing funerals.  Sometimes these people have no church but the one who died had some connection to the Catholic Church.

Whenever there is a baptism at Mass it is noticeable that family and members of the congregation gather around the family.

In our recent enews, bulletins and at the name-tag tables there is a Disciple Maker Index Survey.  This survey is being done by the Archdiocese to gain information about the worship and parish ministry experiences of people in the Archdiocese.

A number of years ago I had a cousin who was dying of breast cancer.  I was amazed how my siblings flew from the corners of the US to attend to her for weeks at a time.

This is Valentine’s week.  A time to say to those we love that they are special in our eyes.  I want to say to each of you that you are my family in Minnesota.  (Almost all of them have moved to warmer climates.)  I love you and am delighted you have chosen to become part of the family at St. Joseph the Worker.

Many visitors to our parish say they like coming here because they always feel so welcome.  Thank you for opening your arms and lives to welcome the stranger in our midst.