May 17, 2021
Dear Friends of the Shrine of St. Joseph
After the recent announcements from the Center of Disease Control and St. Louis City and County health officials, Archbishop Rozanski issued the following update to the mandates and protocols issued to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Effective immediately, the mask mandate issued by Archbishop Rozanski now only applies to all parish faithful who have not received a vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. Those who have been fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a mask during Mass. If you have not been fully vaccinated, you are still required to wear a mask while at Mass.
Please be mindful that many people may still be cautious due to health conditions that make them vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19. As a result, the pews will
continue to be roped off in the church,
and we ask that you ontinue to maintain social distancing with those around you.”
Archbishop Rozanski leaves in place the dispensation for Sunday Mass at this time, but will be re-evaluating the need for the dispensation in the coming weeks.
Regarding the Distribution of Communion at the Shrine of St. Joseph:
We give thanks to our Patron, Saint Joseph, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose intercession we continue to seek as mandates and protocols issued to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus begin to ease. While the Archbishop’s new mandate on masking will be effective immediately at the Shrine, the current procedure for the distribution of Communion will remain in effect until further notice:
The faithful who wish to receive Communion will remain in their pew and a Priest, a Deacon, or an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist will bring communion to them.
Your continued patience and prayers are greatly appreciated as we continue to update our protocols for the safety of all.
Lastly, anyone who has not yet received vaccination is encouraged to do so. The Missouri Bishops, including Archbishop Rozanski, have stated that although some ethical concerns remain over their development, this “should not keep Catholics from seeking vaccination,” and may even be considered “an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.” For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines and to sign up in St. Louis County, click on the link: https://stlcountycovidvaccine.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=21483997
This sacred and historical shrine is the site of the only Vatican authenticated miracle in a Midwestern church. Arrange a private group tour by clicking the link: Shrine of St Joseph - You can book online! or by calling (314) 231-9407; Or see our virtual tour of the Shrine.
Download Lenten Easter Calendar
Click here to learn about the Shrine's Historic Nativity Set
Click here to see Highlights of St. Nick's Annual Visit and Open House 2019/2020
The Shrine of St. Joseph has resumed the Celebration of Public Masses. For more details on Occupancy Limits and Health Precautions in place at this time click the Mass Times link.
Regular Sunday Mass time: 11:00 a.m. Mass (Currently also via Facebook Livestream)
Monthly: 1st Friday Noon Mass. Below is a list of some of the up coming special Masses or events at the Shrine:
The Shrine has resumed Public Masses.
Out of an abundance of caution and concern live streaming of masses will continue at The Shrine of St. Joseph for those most at risk who may not be able to attend Mass. We invite you to continue to join us via Facebook livestream at 11am on Sundays and Noon on First Fridays for the Celebration of the Eucharist.
Those who are not at risk are invited to join us in person for the Celebration of the Eucharist, following all Archdiocesan, State and Local Guidelines.
We continue to pray for your health and safety and an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.
St. Joseph, patron of the church universal,
Pray for us.
The Shrine was founded as a parish church in 1843 by the Jesuit who immediately began to build a church. Learn the history of this beautiful church as well as take a virtual tour.
Take A Virtual Tour
This beautiful old church, at the corner of 11th Street and Biddle in St. Louis, Missouri has a vast and interesting history beginning in 1844.
Read about parishioner, Ignatius Strecker who was miraculously healed in 1864 through the intercession of Peter Claver, SJ. This miracle become one of two miracles needed for the canonization of Saint Peter Claver.
Then in 1866, learn how a solemn vow to Saint Joseph saved the lives of parishioners during a cholera outbreak in St. Louis, which claimed the lives of 20 people a day from the parish.
Read More
Want to arrange a tour or have your wedding at the Shrine?
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