The Lord Is in the Eucharist

Rejoice in Hope

Bishop John M. Quinn

Dear Friends in Christ,

Returning to Mass

Last month, many restrictions were lifted, that we have followed this past year in our churches to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Most significantly, there is no longer a mask mandate, nor is it necessary to “social distance” and keep six feet apart from each other. This latter development allows for churches to return to their normal seating capacity, using and filling every pew. There may be some who are still more comfortable masking, or prefer to attend gatherings with smaller crowds, but it is a hopeful sign to see our communities and parishes returning to normal.

As we come closer to reaching herd immunity, and more people are vaccinated and comfortable returning to their regular daily activities, I encourage people to return to Sunday Mass. In the sacraments we encounter Christ Himself, and this is why the sacraments are such an indispensable part of our lives as Catholics. Christ is the vine and we are the branches, and it is through the sacraments that we stay connected to Him and His Church.

Sunday Obligation

Since March 2020, Catholics in the Diocese of WinonaRochester, and all of Minnesota, have been dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass on Sunday. However, this was only meant to be a temporary dispensation, as the Eucharist is the source and summit of our life of faith. Through the Eucharist we are united with the Lord and the whole Body of Christ, and we are given nourishment for our spiritual journey

Now that churches are once again able to be open at normal capacity, allowing all parishioners to attend one of the weekend Masses, and a larger percentage of people have resumed social activities, the bishops in the state of Minnesota have decided to reimpose the obligation for Catholics to keep holy the Sabbath by attending Mass. This obligation will resume on July 1 (with the first Sunday of obligation being July 4), a time by which much of life in Minnesota will have returned to normal. Those who are sick, at high risk for COVID, or care for someone who is, are still dispensed, but all those who are healthy and going out to public places such as the grocery store, gym, or restaurants, will once again be expected to return to the celebration of weekly Sunday Mass.

As we prepare for the reintroduction of the Sunday obligation, my hope is that parishes and individual Catholics will cultivate a deeper understanding of and hunger for the Lord in the Eucharist. The Sunday obligation should not be seen as a duty, but as something we joyfully do because of our love for the Lord. Can we respond with a heart-felt “yes” to His invitation to come be with Him?

Hospitality Workshop

This summer, parishes will be welcoming back many who may have been away from church for a long time, or who perhaps have never been to a Catholic church, but are yearning for a relationship with the Lord. How will we respond to new arrivals and returnees? Will we reach out and welcome them, giving them a friendly smile and offering to introduce them to people and offerings at our parish? In the Mass we encounter Christ through the Eucharist, the Word, and the minister of the priest, but we also encounter Christ through others gathered together in His name. How we respond to a new face in the pew can make all the difference between a person feeling welcomed into our community, or never wanting to darken the doors of our church again.

On the mornings of June 23 and 24, the diocese will be offering a virtual workshop on parish hospitality. This is not about coffee and donuts; rather, hospitality is an allencompassing attitude and culture for all those who are part of a parish – clergy, lay, staff, and all who simply show up to Mass. In our interactions with others, how do we share our love of Christ and the mission to make and form disciples? This workshop is especially geared toward employees and volunteers who have initial contact with those approaching the parish, whether for baptism or Sunday Mass.

Parishes are encouraged to participate in groups, as there will be interactive, small-group parts of the training, which would best be done in-person within parishes. Individuals are also welcome, however, and will be able to participate with Zoom break-out sessions. In order to encourage participation, there is no charge for those who take part in this training. If you have any questions about this workshop, you can contact Todd Graff (tgraff@dowr.org or 507-858-1270) or Susan Windley-Daoust (swindley@ dowr.org or 507-858-1277). I hope to see many of you there.

Religious Freedom Week

Freedom of religion consists of not only the freedom to worship in our churches, but to live in accordance with our beliefs. However, in the last several years, Catholic institutions and many individuals have been persecuted and forced to act against their religious and moral beliefs, or else suffer consequences, including large fines or loss of jobs.

Abroad, we know that Christians are being persecuted, and killed, for openly professing faith in Christ. Although this reality is often ignored by the media and national governments, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ are suffering for their faith and face threats to their family, livelihood, and life itself, all because of their Christian faith.

In order to unite ourselves in solidarity with those who are being persecuted for their faith, and to pray and act for the protection of religious freedom in our own country, the Catholic Church in the U.S. observes Religious Freedom Week June 22-29. On the USCCB webpage for Religious Freedom Week (www.usccb. org/committees/religiousliberty/religious-freedomweek), you will find resources and ideas for prayer and action. We must all remain vigilant in defending the rights of all people to live in accordance with their beliefs, so that we may always proclaim the Truth of Jesus Christ to our world.

Seminarians

Now that the school year has ended, our diocesan seminarians are busy with various summer activities and assignments. Some of them will experience parish life through a summer internship at a parish. Several of them will also take the month of July to make a 30-day retreat, a grace-filled time to draw closer to the Lord and deepen their discernment. Two of our seminarians will participate in a Spanish immersion program with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in Honduras, while others will be part of our Totus Tuus teams that travel across the diocese leading Catholic summer camps for children and youth. For those who just completed their undergraduate philosophy degree at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary and are entering their first year of theology studies, much of the summer will be spent at the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha, NE.

These young men have heard the call to pursue formation to the priesthood and we are blessed to have such faith-filled young men studying for the Diocese of WinonaRochester. I ask you to please keep them in your prayers. Please pray also that all those being called to the priesthood may have the courage to follow the Lord, steadfast in faith, hope, and charity.

Blessed are you!

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. John M. Quinn Bishop of Winona-Rochester