The COVID-19 pandemic has been a painful time of separation that necessitated, for a short while, suspension of public Masses and the dispensation from the Sunday obligation to attend Mass. …Parishes have done an amazing job creating safe spaces for worship and the sacraments during the past year. Now, as the pandemic subsides, and public gathering restrictions and safety protocols are lifted, it is time to gather as the Body of Christ once again. Therefore, the bishops and diocesan administrators of the Minnesota Catholic Conference have decided to reinstate the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation beginning the weekend of July 3-4, 2021.

Why is attending Mass in-person so important? Attending the in-person celebration of Sunday Mass and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist are vital to our lives as Catholic Christians. We were created for Communion. Whether you are returning to your home parish, or seeking a local parish on vacation, your participation in the Mass unites you with the Church — the Body of Christ. This communion transforms us as persons and enables us to make manifest the Kingdom of God in our world. The celebration of the Eucharist truly is the source and summit of our faith. Pope Francis, in his homily on the Feast of Corpus Christi in 2018, said, “Jesus prepares a place for us here below, because the Eucharist is the beating heart of the Church. It gives her birth and rebirth; it gathers her together and gives her strength. But the Eucharist also prepares for us a place on high, in eternity, for it is the Bread of heaven.”

Does this mean there will no longer be any dispensation from the Sunday and Holy Day obligations? Although the general dispensation will no longer be available, the Church has always recognized that certain circumstances can excuse a person from the requirement to observe the obligation. Persons are excused from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays or Holy Days under the following circumstances:

1. You have reason to believe your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness. 2. You exhibit flu-like symptoms. 3. You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness. 4. You care for the sick, homebound, or infirmed. 5. You are pregnant or you are 65 years of age or older. 6. You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own. 7. You have significant fear or anxiety of becoming ill by being at Mass. For further questions about the application of any of these situations, please contact one of your priests.

The return of our faith family to Mass is a joyous occasion. So many of us have been longing to be with one another again. After this long separation of our family in faith, we now joyfully can and should come back that we may together worship our Maker and Redeemer. Wherever you may be, welcome home!

Beginning July 1 since the obligation to attend Mass will once again be in force, we will begin limited livestreaming of Cathedral Masses.  All Sunday 10:30 AM Masses will continue to be livestreamed for all those who are truly homebound or ill.  We will also livestream weddings and funerals as requested.  Finally, all major occasions of the Diocese will be regularly livestreamed.  (Please note, now that the obligation has been re-imposed to attend Mass, one who is healthy and capable of getting to Mass must attend in person.  Livestreaming will not fulfill the Sunday obligation for anyone other than the truly homebound or  ill.)

East Duluth Catholic Faith Formation, a collaborative effort of the parishes in East Duluth, is accepting applications for the Director of Relational and Youth Ministry for 6th – 12th grade students. This is a part-time position with flexible hours. We are looking for someone who possesses a sincere and demonstrated ability to share their Catholic faith in the dynamic environment of a larger-scale middle and high school religious education program. The director is responsible for opportunities whereby faith can be sparked and nourished through retreat experiences and other opportunities for building relationships with our young people. Please see the full job description here. If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter, resume and references to lauren.mccracken@duluthcatholic.org.  

Children of this age, live in a time of immediacy and instant gratification. They and we are used to having at our fingertips contact with our friends, entertainment, and information.  We aren’t used to waiting. Many of us think of waiting as wasting time and look for ways to save time. This Sunday’s Gospel reading also deals with time, specifically in Jesus’ description of the growth of the Kingdom of God.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses parables when talking to the people. He uses parables often in His teachings as stories about things on earth that tell us something about the things of Heaven. Parables help us understand what Jesus wants us to know.  

Both of the parables today focus on seeds. Seeds are small.  The mustard seed is especially tiny. Yet from these seeds a great crop of grain and a tree large enough to house birds in its branches can grow. The seeds need to be sown, and it takes time for them to germinate and grow to fruition. 

This is also true for the Kingdom of God. Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. He chose and taught twelve disciples to help him. This kingdom is present in the Church today, but it is still in process. Church documents call the Christian family the “domestic church,” because as families, we are the Church.  We bear the responsibility of continuing the work of Jesus and his disciples. We do this by living Christ like lives, by being good role models to our children, by reaching out to others, and by inviting others into the kingdom.  As members of the Church, Jesus counts on us to continue his work. We must sow the seeds by spreading his word and making him known.  

Just as small seeds grow over time, so our small acts of kindness today have the possibility of making a big difference in the future. When things take a long time to happen, we have to be patient. We have to have faith. God wants us to know that if we live as Jesus asks us to, we can look forward to happiness with God in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Totus Tuus is fast approaching. This is another way for your children to have great role models in their lives. Our Totus Tuus teams are made up of college students on fire for their faith and so excited to share it with your children. Totus Tuus will take place at the Cathedral from June 20 - 25. There is a K-5 program and a middle school/high school program. See your parish website for more information and the registration link or contact me directly. 

The Diocese of Duluth’s Office of Marriage, Family, and Life has now opened registration for our First Annual Catholic Family Camp at Big Sandy Camp and Retreat Center in McGregor, MN, on August 13-15. Family fun includes campfires, swimming, waterslide, volleyball, hiking, pontoon rides, laser tag, Mass, Adoration, and family prayer time. There is lodge space, RV, and tenting sites. Food is included and no dishes. For more information, go to  Marriage, Family and Life | Diocese of Duluth . A limited amount of financial support is available by a generous benefactor. Preference for allocation will be given to participants with larger families. So “Go for the Fun, Stay for the Faith!” Questions can be directed to betsy.kneepkens@duluthcatholic.org.

Weather permitting, we will gather outside at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays for Sunday readings and to pray the Rosary.  If you have questions, contact Deacon Dick at 218-391-6730.  

KofC.org/JoinUs Call Bob Spehar: 218-349-5051

For the months of June and July, St. Vincent de Paul Immaculate Conception Conference meetings will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at St. Mary Star of the Sea at 6 PM.  Email svdpduluthmn@gmail.com with questions or for more details.  You are invited to join us in this ministry of experiencing God in serving our neighbors living in poverty.