We are going to begin a gradual resumption of public Masses on the weekend of July 18-19 and slowly return to “normal” in the following weeks. Remember, the protocols for public liturgies will be in place from the Diocese of Sioux City.

With regard to resuming public Masses in our parishes, the Diocese of Sioux City has based and will continue to base decisions on scientific data and reliable projections. There is a number of criteria the Diocese is waiting to be met before it is deemed safe and responsible to open up churches again. This includes the downward trajectory of new COVID-19 cases reported within a 14-day period, the downward trajectory of hospital bed, intensive care, and ventilator usage, and the downward trajectory of daily death reports. In addition to these things, it is necessary to have adequate contact-tracing and a robust testing program. Achieving these conditions will indicate that it is reasonably safe to resume, with precautions, the public celebration of the Mass.

As your pastor, I have a responsibility to see that our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure is lived out even in the midst of difficult circumstances. ​

All public celebrations of the Mass will be suspended. A bilingual Sunday Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael and I and will be available on the Storm Lake St. Mary’s Parish Facebook page on Sunday at 8:00 a.m.