To the Faithful of the New Ulm Diocese,

The Diocese is bound to offer information on the possible construction of St. Boniface Church in Courtland, Minnesota.

A small assembly of people, predominantly from the Mankato and New Ulm areas, have been gathering for the Tridentine Mass - the Latin Mass celebrated before the changes of the Second Vatican Council - at a temporary site in North Mankato for approximately 15 years. The priests who serve this assembly are members of the Society of Saint Pius X, which is not in union with the Roman Catholic Church.

This is to notify all priests, pastoral administrators, parish leaders and faithful of the diocese that this tentative chapel in Courtland has no official (canonical) standing in the Diocese of New Ulm.

The owners of the chapel have been given no authorization by the Diocese of New Ulm for the celebration of the Mass or other sacred celebrations in the chapel, nor has any priest connected with this group been given faculties by the Diocese of New Ulm authorizing the administration of the sacraments or preaching.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Mark S. Mallak