Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 

The decree from the bishop to “render the Church of St. Kathryn to secular but not unbecoming use” was read at all weekend Masses in our parish on October 31 and November 1. Paper copies of the decree were made available at each location (and will continue to be available for the next couple of weeks). The decree is also available on both the St. Cloud Diocese website and our St. Joseph, Pillar of Families website.

 

This act of “relegation” is a necessary step that needs to be taken before the property can be sold. Like with other decrees from the bishop, the faithful have the option of appealing to amend or even repeal the decree. If anyone has questions or concerns about the decree, please feel free to reach out to me or another member of the parish transition team. If anyone is thinking about appealing to the bishop, I am also willing to assist in writing that appeal to help express your concerns in the “canonical” language of the Church - which might help add strength to your position.

 

The decree would become effective at the end of the day on December 20, 2026, if there are no pending appeals. As of the writing of this bulletin article, I have not yet been able to confirm with the bishop’s office a date for the last Mass at St. Kathryn, but I am guessing the goal of the bishop would be to do something on that same weekend of December 19 or 20. (To be clear, that is speculation on my part). If that were the case, or on whatever weekend it might be scheduled, I think it would be important to place our focus on the last Mass. I do not think that it should be something we do “on the side” or as just part of the regular life of the parish. Like a funeral, it would be appropriate to interrupt other plans or activities and let us give it the attention it deserves. December is a very busy time, and there is a myriad of travel plans and activities that get scheduled. I know it is not the preferred timing for a closing Mass for the church. We would probably have to reschedule or alter some plans for the parish as well. But in some ways, I think it could also be kind of fitting.

 

The current Church of St. Kathryn had its first Mass celebrated on December 21, 2003 and was formally consecrated by Bishop Kinney on December 28 of that year. As we close the calendar year, it is also fitting that we close this chapter of the church. December 21 is the shortest day/longest night of the year, and it can symbolize our sadness and the darkness of loss. But even as we look to close, the Advent season and the coming New Year are also meant to remind us to have that hope in God - that His plans are bigger than ours and that He can still bring light even in the darkness.

 

Peace in Christ,

Father Timothy