St. Stephen's Catholic Community Reopens for Small, In-Person Gatherings

We joyously announce the Church will reopen for small, in-person gatherings. Please review the following information and let us know if you have any questions.

• When will this change take effect? Beginning after Ash Wednesday, February 17, the Church will host small, in-person gatherings for Youth Ministry, Confirmation students, and select St. Stephen’s parish ministries. In accordance with the CDC, MDH, and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, all persons who wish to participate in group gatherings at the Church will need to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines listed here. 
• What select parish ministries will be meeting in-person at the Church after Ash Wednesday? Youth Ministry, Confirmation students, Spanish ministries led by Fr. Louie, as well as the Men’s and Women’s groups of St. Stephen’s will begin meeting in-person at the Church after Ash Wednesday. Faith for Life grades 1-5 will continue classes virtually.
• If I’d like to host a small, in-person gathering for a St. Stephen’s ministry, who do I contact? To begin hosting small, in-person meetings at the Church we elected our Youth Ministry, Confirmation students, and other select St. Stephen’s ministries by criteria of group size, Church space availability, and direct contact with the ministry leaders. If you are a ministry leader at St. Stephen’s and you would like to discuss the possibility of hosting a small, in-person gathering at St. Stephen’s Church, please contact Maredith Toweh.
• Are there any changes to Mass at St. Stephen’s? The above changes do not affect Mass at St. Stephen’s as we will continue celebrating Mass in the school parking lot, inside the Church, and via our YouTube channel. We will, however, be transitioning to seating every other pew to accommodate for more Mass attendees on the first level beginning Ash Wednesday.
• Will there be additional changes coming? As we continue monitoring the world health-crisis, we will keep modifying our pandemic approach to match the current situation. Our main priority is the health and well-being of all our parishioners, staff, students, volunteers, and community members. Additional changes will be mentioned in our bulletin, via our weekly newsletter, and on our website.