Dear Church of Saint Wenceslaus Families, I am communicating with you tonight because there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 at our parish. Medical privacy laws limit the information we are able to share, but I can tell you that I (Father Theisen) had direct contact and exposure to the COVID-19 positive person on Saturday (their test results only came back today). Those who were exposed with me on Saturday have been contacted. We immediately contacted the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis today to report the case and we are working with their team to make sure all protocols are being covered. Right now, I am awaiting test results (I feel fine and I exhibit no symptoms). In accordance with protocols and out of an abundance of caution and to insure we are doing all we can to limit the spread of the virus, I will be in quarantine until I have a negative test result or 14 days from exposure have passed. We are closely following the Archdiocesan directives and doing everything we can. In the meantime, we have found substitute priests for all our weekend liturgies, and we are suspending public weekday Masses and confessions for the time being. We believe this is a prudent and reasonable step to take to keep people safe and healthy. We will continue to live stream weekend Masses at 4:00 pm Saturday and 10:30 pm Sunday to keep you connected to our parish community. Should I get a negative test result before Thanksgiving Day, I will offer the Thanksgiving Day Mass. No matter what my test results are we do still have to cancel Friday Adoration for other reasons. Let us together trust in Jesus, who throughout the ages in times of uncertainty and trial, never fails us. Our Lady, Comfort of the Sick, pray for us! Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Theisen

LE SUEUR COUNTY CHRISTMAS ADOPT-A-FAMILY WITH CHANGES FOR 2020 Adopt a Family for Christmas will be operated through the New Prague Area Catholic Community again this year, but some changes will be made because of Covid-19. We also anticipate greater need. As in the past, forms are sent out from county Department of Human Services around the middle of October. Parents fill out the forms listing their children's ages and sizes of clothing and outerwear gift choices. This year, parents will also be making two clothing choices for teens. The forms are then forwarded from the county to our St. Wenceslaus YAC group where they are numbered; names are removed to respect families’ privacy. Families, individuals, or groups then choose a child or family to shop for. Gifts will be distributed to the families on Monday, December 14 in Le Center along with Santa Anonymous gifts. Le Sueur County Santa Anonymous program provides toys, books, games, and other non-clothing items. There are two opportunities to make Christmas brighter for these families. 1. Choose a family and shop for clothing items. For the safety of everyone involved, paper lists will not be available after Mass. Beginning November 2nd family lists will be posted on Sign Up Genius instead. You can follow this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C45ABAE2CA7F49-adopt The shopping list, delivery instructions, and delivery bag will be available for pick up after Mass at St. Wenceslaus Parish Activity Center (west doors off the parking lot) the weekends of: • November 7 and 8 • November 14 and 15 • November 21 and 22 Shopping must be completed by December 6. 2. Donate cash. You can also donate cash with which team of Super Shoppers will purchase gifts. Please make checks payable to Adopt-A-Family. For more information, call Kathy McNamara - 952-200-4949.

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.

Please prayerfully consider how you may help. Our parish still has bills to pay, i.e. utility bills, payroll, insurance, etc. At this time of social distancing, there are many ways to give:

Amidst this unprecedented time, stay in the loop with a Catholic perspective on local, national, and world news. The Catholic Spirit provides Church news, inspiring faith stories, and a Catholic take on issues shaping our culture. You can receive The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, for free by contacting the parish office! 952-758-3225 or Lisa.Leverson@npcatholic.org Questions or story ideas? Contact CatholicSpirit@archspm.org.

(Due to the Coronavirus, our group is currently meeting on Monday’s at 6 pm by your choice of a conference video or call-in meeting.) Are you suffering after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend? GriefShare is a special weekly support group with facilitated small group discussion, 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 which you are welcome to start at any time. This support group is open to the whole New Prague area and surrounding communities. For more information or to register call MaryCarol at St. Wenceslaus Church 952-758-3225. Email: MaryCarol.Wolf@npcatholic.org

Bevcomm will air Masses from the past weekend on Channel 6 Sundays at 8:30 am and 11:30 am and Wednesday at 4:00 pm for those who are homebound.

There are many people that may need a pastoral visit (hospitalized, homebound , nursing home, tragedy, illness or injury, financial concerns, mental health issues, and others). We would love to help! We are not always in the know about people in need; HIPPA Laws and people "being afraid to ask for help" can prevent us from being our church community presence to those in need. Please, if you or someone you know might be in need of a visit or phone call, let us know.

SWS teachers receiving special training in STEM have created a special interactive map of the St. Wenceslaus Church and School Site.