Kim Fundingsland/MDN Several churches in Minot and the surrounding area have made adjustments to be in compliance with recommendations regarding gatherings of 10 people or more during the current coronavirus pandemic. Parishioners should check with their church to learn how they have been effected and what changes have been made.

Announcements

The GEM Federal Credit Union, located at 2401 North Broadway in Minot, has closed its lobby to the public as of Wednesday. The drive-through window will remain open to customers and staff will remain in the office to serve customers via phone. The credit union still offers online and mobile banking and customers can also access any MoneyPass ATM for cash after hours. People can also call to schedule a private appointment if other arrangements cannot be made. Customers can call 852-3866 with any questions or email them to gemcu@gemcu.org.

Dacotah Bank has closed the inside of its branches to the public except by appointment until further notice to limit in-person contacts. Banking will continue to be available at drive-up windows, through online banking or via its mobile app. The bank is waiving its mobile deposit fees to encourage use of this technology.

Both the Fargo and the Bismarck Catholic Dioceses have canceled all public Mass. The Bismarck Diocese has ordered that all pastors of parishes with the capability to livestream to offer one daily and one Sunday Mass on the parish website for parishioners to stream. If their parish does not offer this, Catholics may view the Mass offered on the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit website.

Catholics in the Fargo Diocese have been granted a dispensation not to attend Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation. The order is in effect until further notice. Catholic schools in the Fargo Diocese are closed and religious education classes in the diocese have been canceled until further notice, as have communal parish events, including receptions, and outside events that had been scheduled to be held at church facilities. The diocese has also ordered that weddings, baptisms, and funerals can only be held with 10 or fewer people in attendance. Confirmation and first communion Masses in the diocese have been deferred. Individual confession can be arranged with a local priest while taking precautions for social distancing and confidentiality. Priests will also continue to provide sacraments on an individual basis. The diocese encourages that parishes that have normally left a church open during the day so people can pray privately continue that practice when possible.

In the Bismarck Catholic Diocese, all scheduled weddings will be allowed to take place but only with the bride and groom, the two witnesses, the parents of the bride and groom and the priest or deacon who witnesses the marriage present. Funerals are to be private, with only immediate family and the priest or deacon present. Confirmations will be rescheduled for the coming fall. There will be no wakes or vigils and no luncheons or receptions permitted in the church hall after the funeral. Baptisms must have 10 or fewer people present. Catholic schools are closed and religious education classes are canceled until further notice. The Bismarck diocese also ordered that churches be kept open for private prayer during the day.

The Surrey Senior Citizens Center has canceled all activities until further notice. The center will still provide noon luncheon at the center along with home delivery as needed.

The Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry in Minot has been closed until further notice.

The Carpio Lutheran Church spring meatball dinner has been postponed until a later date.

Trinity Health has temporarily suspended phlebotomy services at its southeast Minot clinic, Trinity Health East Ridge, located at 1250 21st Avenue SE. Phlebotomy services are still available at Health Center – Town & Country and at Health Center – Medical Arts.

The Boy Scout Troop 411 annual pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday has been canceled. It will be rescheduled later so people should hold onto tickets they have already purchased.

New hours for Marketplace Foods stores will be 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The store will prioritize 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for customers at high risk if they contract coronavirus, first responders and medical personnel.

The Annual Ice Show featuring songs from “The Lion King” has been postponed and the reschedule date is to be decided.

The City of Minot developed an informal task force Monday to address issues arising surrounding COVID-19. The city and its Complete Count Committee have withdrawn for now the kiosks thatvwere to be made available in public places for people to register for the census.