COVID-19 Response

UPDATED: June 2, 2021

As vaccinations become more readily available and there is an increased sense of safety in returning to Mass, we take joy in the thought of celebrating as a parish family once again. There will be gradual steps and changes along the way, and we will continue to communicate those changes as they occur.

Wearing of Masks

In light of the CDC, City and State pandemic precaution changes, we no longer have the expectation that masks will be worn on parish grounds or inside our buildings. Liturgical ministers – lay and ordained – will not be asked to wear masks in their ministries. 

We do echo the encouragement of Archbishop Jackels that all who can receive a vaccination against Covid-19 do so for the good of the general public. We appreciate that for some, vaccination at this time is not possible. All are encouraged to respect the choice to wear masks by providing what social distancing is possible. Those with concerns are invited to contact the parish office.

Social Distancing

Now that the CDC has lifted it's recommendation on social distancing indoors, we will return to using all pews for seating at Mass. If you would like to request a "masked section" of seating, please call the parish office.

Receiving Communion

Our Communion procession has returned to normal, utilizing the side aisles in addition to the center aisle. We will only be distributing the Eucharist in the hands at this time (not on the tongue) out of concern for those who are not yet able to be vaccinated, and due to the possible trasmission of the virus by receiving on the tongue. For this same reason, we will not yet be offering the cup of the Precious Blood.

Sign of Peace

We welcome you to offer the traditional handshake at the Sign of Peace. Some may still wish to offer and accept a no-contact gesture of peace. Please continue to be respectful of those personal decisions as you greet those around you.

Holy Water

Holy water is now available in the fonts at the church entrance as well as the reservoir in the east vestibule. 

Sanitizing of Pews

In line with CDC guidance, we will no longer be disinfecting the pews. You may put your kneelers up after Mass before you leave, as we no longer need to indicate which pews were used. We will rely on our regular cleaning schedule to address the now-identified minimal risk of surface contact for virus transmission. You are welcome to bring your own disinfecting materials and sanitize the area around you if you have concerns.

Worship Aids and Other Materials in the Pews

Missalette and hymnal books will now be available in the pews. You may also request your own book in lieu of sharing by calling the parish office. And as always, you are welcome to bring your own personal worship aids with you, or view the readings digitally by visiting https://bible.usccb.org/.

Offertory Collections

Ushers are once again collecting offertory at each pew. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is another option available in addition to envelopes during this time. Click here to access the EFT form.
 

Socializing after Mass

As wonderful as it is to see each other once again at Mass, we ask that you congregate outside of the church with appropriate distancing if you would like to visit with friends and loved ones. Not only does this help us maintain safe distancing, but also a prayerful and reverent silence for those who wish to pray and spend time with Jesus after Mass.

Here are some concrete ways you can help the community at this time:

St. Vincent de Paul

Contact Rick Merfeld if you are able to provide support with any of the following:

• Food Donations - Donations can be dropped off at the Radford Ct. location or the Iowa Street Voucher Center and Food Pantry during the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, or Wednesdays 2 - 4 p.m. 

• Other Donations - Could also use hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, typical daily needs

• Voucher Center Help - Individuals and families could provide assistance at the Iowa Street Voucher Center. Recommend Middle School aged kids and above for help.

• Voucher Line Support - Work with Jim Halverson and/or Jim Rolling to take requests from people in need while the in home visits are on hold. 

• Financial Support - Individuals can contact Rick to make a donation or mail one in/drop it off at the parish office for our local conference at St. Columbkille.

Pandemic emergency funding is needed to help St. Vincent de Paul continue to do the great work they do right here in Dubuque. If you have the means to help, please use the following link to donate online. Thank you for your generosity.

Pandemic Emergency Funding

St. Patrick Meals

At this time Msgr. Toale is monitoring the developments of COVID-19 in Dubuque and will determine a few days in advance if the meals will be held or cancelled for safety of volunteers.

• Our Parish is scheduled to provide the meal on May 12, 2021. The protocols during COVID-19 are requiring meals be individually packaged and distributed vs. gathering in the dining hall.

• For the May 12 meal, we are all set thanks to many volunteers stepping up to assist. Serving will be done through social distancing and meals will be distributed through a pick up line outside. Volunteers are being asked to report to the kitchen by 3 PM, in the basement hall of St. Patrick's Catholic Church just off of 14th Street/Loras Boulevard.

• Our Knights of Columbus Council is providing the meal on July 28, 2021. The protocols during COVID-19 are requiring meals be individually packaged and distributed vs. gathering in the dining hall. Mark Hoeger is on point to coordinate with the Council to provide this support, but we encourage any parishioner to provide support to this if you want to help. 

Contact Mark Hoeger at m.hoeger@yahoo.com if you want to assist with this meal in any way.

If you are not able to serve but would like to donate to help pay for the meal, you can send a check to the parish office made out to St. Columbkille Church and in the memo line designate it to: St. Patrick's Meals. The typical cost to provide the meal runs $300 - 400. At least 200 meals are served at each event.

The Mission

Contact Rick Mihm at mihmr@mchsi.com if you would like to provide support in any way.

• The Mission has an immediate need for to-go containers and individually packaged utensils, or money to purchase them. They are expecting to have to provide their meals like this for the next 60 days. We have already put a Facebook donations link on our parish Facebook page for this that was created by the Mission. 

• They are also in need of cleaning supplies, laundry soap, hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.

Our Lady of the Sioux

Loose coin collections will not be taken during this time. Please continue to keep the faithful of Our Lady of the Sioux in your prayers.

To make a donation directly to Our Lady of the Sioux Parish you can:

• Check - Mail a check to:  Our Lady of the Sioux Catholic Church, PO Box 140, Oglala, SD 57764    

• Credit/Debit Card - Call the parish office of Our Lady of the Sioux Catholic Church at 605-867-1518 to make a credit/debit card donation over the phone.