St. Wenceslaus

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE Advent Individual Confessions SW: Fridays during Advent ~ December 4, 11 & 18, 3:00 pm SW: Saturdays during Advent ~ December 5, 3:00 pm, Dec 12 & 19, 1:00-3:00 pm SJ: Saturdays during Advent ~ December 5 Adoration & Individual Confession 6:45 pm Dec 12 & 19, 7:30 pm Feast of the Immaculate Conception SS: Vigil Monday, December 7, 5:00 pm SW: Tuesday, December 8, 8:00 am & 5:00 pm SJ: Tuesday, December 8, 7:00 pm Advent Penitential Celebration SW: Thursday, December 3, 4:00-6:00 pm followed by individual confession Christmas Eve – Thursday, December 24th SW: Masses 4:00 pm (livestreamed), 6:00 pm & 9:30 pm SJ: Mass 11:00 pm Christmas Day – Friday, December 25th SS: Mass 9:00 am SW: Mass 10:30 am (livestreamed) New Year’s – Solemnity of Mary Thursday, December 31st SW: 5:00 pm SJ: Mass 7:00 pm Friday, January 1st SW: Mass 10:00 am

Dear Parish Families, On Friday of last week, Archbishop Hebda sent a letter to all the priests of the Archdiocese. In it, he thanked us for our ongoing ministry during the pandemic and for our commitment to following the COVID-19 safety protocols instituted by the Archdiocese and public health officials. Due to the surge in cases – including deaths and hospitalizations – he has asked us to pause, postpone or move virtually, all our non-sacramental activities between now and Christmas. Out of love for our sisters and brothers and the common good, parish leadership has decided to: • Pause all optional in-person activities o Bible studies o Small group meetings • Move to the virtual realm o Parish council meetings o GriefShare-Grief Support Group o Advent Faith Formation small groups Most importantly, we will continue to celebrate the Mass both in-person and online, and our in-person sacramental preparation programs through our Faith Formation Department will continue according to the schedules given to our families. Also, our scheduled Sacrament of Reconciliation on December 3rd will proceed according to the schedule. After a closer look at the protocols and guidelines for my quarantine, I must remain in the quarantine for 14 days regardless of whether I get a negative test result or not. Therefore: Unfortunately, Thanksgiving Eve & Thanksgiving Day Masses are cancelled as well as Friday Mass, Adoration, and confessions. Daily rosary (Tuesday – Friday – except for Thanksgiving Day) will continue to be live streamed to keep you connected to our parish community. Pray that my test results are negative. If that is the case, I can resume celebrating Mass with you on Saturday, 28 November 4:00 pm Mass. (N.B. as of this writing I have not gotten results back on my test. I do not exhibit any symptoms and I am feeling very well) Adoration will continue (after this Friday’s little break) in the main church where we can keep more than appropriate social distancing. The dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation continues, so if you are in an at-risk category (older than 65, have compromised health, etc.) you are encouraged to worship with us virtually. Please remember to stay home if you are not feeling well or if you are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test. We believe these small sacrifices are vital to minimizing the spread of the virus and to keep our parishes open for Mass, confessions, weddings and other sacraments. Archbishop Hebda recorded a video message for you, the faithful, as well. You may watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CywjU-82YGM&feature=youtu.be Please feel free to contact any member of the parish staff and leadership team if you have questions. Our Lady, Comfort of the Sick, pray for us! With the Love of Jesus Christ, Fr. Theisen

GriefShare Support Group Are you are suffering after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend? GriefShare is a special weekly support group with facilitated small group discussions, designed to give encouragement and to help you rebuild your life. You don’t have to go through the process alone. GriefShare is a revolving 13-week program in which you are welcome to start at any time. We are opening this support group up to the whole New Prague area and surrounding communities. It will be held at the St. Wenceslaus Church basement in the "soon to be christened space" on Mondays, 6:00 - 7:00 pm Sept. 14th - Dec.14th. For more information or to register call MaryCarol at St. Wenceslaus Church 952-758-3225. Email: MaryCarol.Wolf@npcatholic.org

In the next few days, all households who have not made a campaign pledge will receive information and a commitment card for the Capital Campaign in the mail. Please review the information, think about and pray over your decision to make a commitment. We ask that you return the commitment card as soon as possible, but no later than Sunday, September 20. Thank you for your consideration to this important effort! We are excited to share that many have stepped forward already and the NPACC is on our way to reaching the campaign goals, but many gifts are still needed to realize our vision of maintaining and enhancing our three sites. St. Wenceslaus is also seeking to eliminate the parking lot debt and pay for city assessments.