Please check out the following list of ACRE Accomplishments for the past year-plus.  We are already planning for the coming year and look forward to working with all of you!  We worked hard to keep things going during the long Covid- affected time period and here is what we’ve done:

A HUGE thank you to Maredith Toweh, our outgoing ACRE Chairperson. Maredith has guided us through a time of transition and during the Covid pandemic. Her ability to lead, support, encourage and organize have been outstanding! We are VERY glad she will be remaining on the Board. Our new ACRE Chairperson will be Erin O’Leary. Other officers will remain the same at this time.

We welcome Karl Horwath and Katie Schaitberger to the Board! Because no one else has stepped forward to inquire about running for the Board, the Executive Committee of the Board exercised the by-laws clause whereby we may appoint members to open positions. Both Karl and Katie are very experienced catechetical leaders and we are extremely grateful to them for joining the Board!

VICAR GENERAL’S REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:  At our recent Appreciation Lunch, Fr. Charles Lachowitzer, Vicar General, gave a wonderful talk on the importance of Faith Formation.  He also requested that we individually email him with ideas and comments about what is needed currently in our Archdiocese for Faith Formation in terms of support, needs, etc.  It isn’t too late to send your ideas, but please do so ASAP.  You can email him directly here:  frcharlie@st-gerard.org (Note, Fr. Lachowitzer is also currently the pastor at St. Gerard’s in Brooklyn Park.)

On Dec. 10, 2021, Pope Francis named Father Joseph Williams, a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, as Auxiliary Bishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-elect Joseph A. Williams will take place Tuesday, January 25, Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle. A public reception will follow.

As pandemic challenges continue, Archbishop Hebda has recorded a video message for the faithful based upon the letter you received from him last week. You may find it helpful to share this video with your parishioners as you communicate with them about helping keep each other healthy this Advent and Christmas.

ACRE Zoom Lunch Nov. 2021- Digital Communication and Ministry Presentation

As you no doubt know, the CDC and the MN Department of Health have recently come out with more information on the effects of the COVID Delta variant on children. They are both currently stating that children should be wearing masks in school and educational programs this fall since they will not yet be eligible to receive the vaccine. YOU CAN FIND THE VERY LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS FROM MNDH ATTACHED.

MDH recommends program and camp administrators review this guidance. This is intended for youth programs.

In March 2020, the state’s bishops suspended public Masses and granted a dispensation from Catholics’ ordinary Sunday Mass obligation, due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. Many parishes pivoted to live-streamed Masses and prayers during this time to continue ministering to parishioners.

The ACRE Board members are officially re-elected for 2021-2022. Congratulations!

You might have questions about what this ministry is and who it is for. In this explainer, CNA answers your burning questions about this new (or is it?) ministry in the Church.

Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter Tuesday formally instituting the new lay ministry of catechist.

Pandemic-related social distancing restrictions at places of worship will end May 28, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

COVID-19 Preparedness Plan Requirements for Faith-based Communities, Places of Worship, Weddings, and Funerals

The March 12, 2021, Executive Order from Governor Walz modified many restrictions on public and private gatherings. Please see the following memo from Civil Chancellor Joseph Kueppers regarding important changes in the restrictions.

Registration Open: Faith and Culture Series Inspired by the thousands of participants at the Prayer and Listening Events, this series connects their stories to the story of the Church. Each virtual event includes a talk, testimonials, and a live panel discussion including Archbishop Hebda. Registration is required to participate live. Find dates, topics, speakers and registration below.