Statements and Documents - Office of the Bishop

Pastoral Letter on Sunday Mass Obligation

Aug 10, 2020 by wpadmin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DleCFrGGTEDear Faithful of the East River South Dakota (i.e. Diocese of Sioux Falls), Thankfully, the anticipated magnitude of the serious effects of COVID-19 have not been as extensive in South Dakota as was initially projected. These past months have caused hardship not only for those who have had serious effects from the virus and their families, but also for those who have been in isolation and health care workers. Also, I am mindful of those who attend to those who are vulnerable in their families. To varying degrees, I sense we have all been affected physically, psychologically and spiritually by the various measures implemented to limit the spread of the virus. Throughout this experience, I have kept close to mind the risk to those most vulnerable to harm and also my duty…

Mater Ecclesiae Monastery Announcement

Statements and Documents

Jul 17, 2020 by wpadmin

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Since my arrival in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, I have come to appreciate so many blessings within our Church in eastern South Dakota. One of those blessings is the dedication to prayer and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament through the Adoration Sisters at Mater Ecclesiae Monastery located near our cathedral these past 18 years. Sadly, I’ve been informed by Mother Caridad that, after prayerful discernment, the Adoration Sisters have decided to return to Mexico. For those of us who have come to know and love the Adoration Sisters, this is a great loss, but God has affirmed in my prayer that He has a wonderful plan for them and us. My hope and prayer for Mother and the Adoration Sisters was that God…

Plan for resuming public Mass once social distancing and hygiene practices are in place

Joint Statements

May 01, 2020 by wpadmin

JOINT STATEMENT: THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF SIOUX FALLS AND RAPID CITY [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="400"] Very Reverend Michel Mulloy & Bishop Donald E. DeGrood[/caption] May 1, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our decision on March 17, 2020 to suspend public Masses was made after much prayer, consultation, and after having reviewed the recommendations of public health authorities. This decision was focused on preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus especially for the most vulnerable. We know this extraordinary measure has been difficult for all the faithful. We are grateful for the acts of charity and expressed understanding that we have witnessed in our midst during this time. This makes us all the more pleased to bring you good spiritual news in this Easter…

Palm Sunday and Triduum Liturgies

Statements and Documents

Apr 02, 2020 by wpadmin

Dear Friends in Christ, Earlier this week, I informed the clergy of my decision to continue the suspension of public Masses, including through the upcoming Holy Week. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice. This decision was based upon recent clarifications regarding social distancing practices that have been provided from our elected officials and those competent in public health that contributed to their development. For your reference, an outline of the directives and clarifications regarding liturgies to be celebrated during Holy Week which I provided clergy has been posted on the Diocesan website and can be accessed here. Even though this decision is intended to protect each of you, most especially the most vulnerable among us, it is nonetheless a very heavy decision. As Catholics, our spiritual…

Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi Message

Statements and Documents

Mar 28, 2020 by wpadmin

My Dear faithful, consecrated men and women, clergy and seminarians, In my heart today I have been holding you in prayer. The fondness in my heart that the Lord has given me is the deep longing of grace and blessing for each of you especially in these trying times. After reading, reflecting and praying on the thought provoking message of Pope Francis (Read Pope Francis' Urbi et Orbi Message) I sensed in my heart that I should send it to all of you hoping it will be a source of good prayer and reflections upon his encouraging words of faith and trust but also challenging words to help us pray into those areas of our lives where we are not yet filled with the Lord in our love for Him and others rather…

Suspension of all public Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic

Joint Statements, Statements and Documents

Mar 17, 2020 by wpadmin

JOINT STATEMENT: THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF SIOUX FALLS AND RAPID CITY [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="400"] Very Reverend Michel Mulloy & Bishop Donald E. DeGrood[/caption] Suspension of all public Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic March 17, 2020 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, relying on data that shows the real progression of the COVID-19 virus, has now updated its recommendation to limit gatherings to ten people. The recommendation limits the potential for transmission of the virus. Ultimately, the recommendation is rooted in serving the common good, including those most vulnerable to the virus and its devastating effects on the body. Mindful of our own call as Catholics to seek the common good, we have directed that all…

Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Sunday Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus until further notice

Joint Statements, Statements and Documents

Mar 13, 2020 by wpadmin

JOINT STATEMENT: THE SPIRITUAL LEADERS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESES OF SIOUX FALLS AND RAPID CITY [caption id="attachment_48" align="alignleft" width="400"] Very Reverend Michel Mulloy & Bishop Donald E. DeGrood[/caption] Dispensation from the Obligation to attend Sunday Masses due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus until further notice Earlier this week and in our respective capacities as spiritual leaders of the two dioceses in South Dakota, we announced measures for limiting the spread of illness during Masses. These statements were circulated within parishes and can be accessed on the two diocesan websites. With public health officials providing additional guidance this week that has led to the cancellation of sporting and cultural events, we write to offer further clarification and guidance. While the Church has not been asked by government officials at this time to…

Precautions in the Midst of Influenza Infections

Statements and Documents

Mar 11, 2020 by wpadmin

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Recent reporting on the spread of the COVID-19 “Coronavirus” gives all of us pause and reason to be concerned about our own health and the health of those around us who are most vulnerable to contracting disease. Still recovering from a different strain of influenza, I know first-hand just how much we become impacted by viral infection. Therefore, it’s natural that many parishes and pastors have been approached with concerns about what precautions can and should be implemented, especially now that there are confirmed cases here in South Dakota. The coronavirus has already directly impacted one of our Catholic schools and parishes and is likely to affect others in the near future. Let us first of all remain mindful that researchers have confirmed that…