COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted as of April 1, 2022
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tracking COVID pandemic trends, now classify the Twin Cities area with a Community Level Risk of “Low.” It is still important to practice good hygiene, keep indoor spaces well ventilated, and (when showing symptoms) isolate and get tested. However, urging all to wear masks, keep social distance, and avoid large gatherings is no longer required. Consequently, as of Friday, April 1, 2022, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is rescinding all pandemic restrictions for liturgical celebrations.
Individual parishes may choose to retain some restrictions, or phase them out incrementally. Likewise, the faithful are welcome to continue taking precautions such as wearing a mask, if they choose to do so.
In the future, if pandemic conditions change, it may be necessary to reinstate some protocols. You may continue to visit this page for updates. Thank you for your prayers and patience throughout the pandemic.
Please see the full memo from the Archdiocese’s Office of Worship here.
Sunday Obligation Returns in Minnesota
It is time to gather as the Body of Christ once again. The bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have reinstated the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation as of the weekend of July 3-4, 2021.
There remains reasons why a Catholic have a dispensation from the Sunday obligation, including when he or she is ill or serving as caretaker for one who cannot attend Mass. The faithful who do not attend Mass in person are asked to find a Mass on TV, the radio or online (search livestream options using Advanced Search on this page) and make a Spiritual Communion. Where that is not an option, it would be appropriate to pray the Liturgy of the Hours or the Rosary.
Read about this decision, and find examples of special circumstances when a dispensation would still apply, in letters from Archbishop Hebda and the Minnesota bishops.
Search for parishes – including those with COVID-19 precautions – on our Locations page. (Please note: as pandemic conditions change, these protocols may be adjusted, so it is best to contact the parish directly to confirm current protocols.)
Find out how we are Created for Communion.
Vaccine Information and Resources
Local Resources
- Archbishop Hebda to Clergy on Vaccine Exemptions
- Podcast: Priest with doctorate in neuroscience addresses ethical issues related to COVID-19 vaccines
- FAQ on COVID-19 Vaccines (in English and Spanish)
- MN Dept. of Health: About COVID-19 Vaccine
- Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector
- Vaccine Connector Hotline: 1-833-431-2053
- Coverage in The Catholic Spirit
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Archdiocese awaits national court rulings before implementing OSHA workplace COVID-19 vaccine rules
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Catholic education officials: With kids’ vaccines, parents have right to decide
- Not me: The moral dilemma of seeking vaccine exemptions
- Should we take whatever vaccine is offered?
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Popes Francis, Benedict receive their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
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Must Catholics refuse a COVID-19 vaccine made with a cell line from an abortion?
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National / Global Resources
- CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
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U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Pro-Life and Doctrine Address Ethical Concerns on the New COVID-19 Vaccines
- To contact pharmaceutical companies and encourage the use of cell lines that are not morally compromised, see this resource: Letters to Pharmaceutical Companies | USCCB
Medical/Wellness Resources
Free COVID Tests: Each household in the U.S. may now order four free at-home COVID test kits through the United States Postal Service. Click here to order your test kits.
Additionally, Minnesotans can now place orders for free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests as part of the administration’s efforts to make it easier to access testing. Order your free at-home rapid tests.
Minnesota Helpline: For questions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, call 651-297-1304 or 1-800-657-3504 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Find information on free COVID-19 testing.
Additional resources:
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance in Ramsey County. Learn about assistance available here.
Energy Assistance Program. For those who are still be experiencing financial hardships due to the pandemic, the Energy Assistance Program can help eligible renters and homeowners by paying up to $1,600 for energy bills and providing other assistance. Learn more.
Sacraments for Those in Health Care Facilities
As of August 29, the Minnesota Department of Health is now allowing health care facilities that have not had an active case of COVID-19 in the past 28 days to transition to “Phase II,” allowing even non-essential personnel to visit. Some facilities are now permitting Holy Communion and pastoral care on a more regular basis.
As Catholics, we know that these soul-enriching efforts are important for our well-being. If you have a loved one in a health care facility, you may wish to call the facility to ask if they have entered Phase II and, if so, what steps you might be able to take so your loved one can receive the sacraments and other pastoral care. Please always observe each facility’s own particular hygienic requirements. Find details here.
Please pray for all of our Catholic brothers and sisters who have been isolated or away from the sacraments. May we all, though Christ, be instrumental in our collective physical and spiritual healing.
Read the Latest on the Pandemic in The Catholic Spirit
Parishes and Schools: Find Resources Here
Videos
Practicing Catholic: Fr Tad Pacholczyk on Ethics of the COVID 19 Vaccines (April 2021)