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Don Loegering

From the Pastor

July 24, 2019
 
Fr Bauer
Dear Parishioners: 
 
With this letter I would like to update you on several areas of our parish’s life. 
 
1. In regard to Staffing in our Learning Department. As I hope you know Paula Kaempffer, has left our staff to work for the Archdiocese. While we received several resumes from people interested in the position of Director of Learning and coordinator of the R.C.I. A. process at The Basilica, we were not able to make a hire for this position. This left us with the choice of continuing to look for someone to fill this position or to consider other options. Since we didn’t think there would be any increase in the pool of qualified candidates if we continued to search, we decided to consider other options. 
Given the above, a few weeks ago I met with Cathy Edwards, who recently retired as our coordinator of caring ministries. She has agreed to coordinate the R.C.I.A. Process for the coming year. Cathy knows The Basilica and I am sure is familiar to many of you. Cathy will step into a program that is well structured and a team that is very committed to the R.C.I.A. We are also blessed in that prior to departing for her new position with our Archdiocese, Paula Kaempffer had done much of the work of scheduling and lining up speakers for R.C.I. A. this coming year. Cathy will also be assisted by other members of our staff. 
Additionally, we have hired a familiar face to serve as Coordinator of Children’s Learning and Sacramental preparation. Christine Moore who previously served in this position will once again assume these responsibilities. She will begin work this summer. 
Finally, with the retirement of Nancy Keller, our Coordinator of Marriage Ministries, Ben Caduff will assume the responsibilities of this position. Ben will continue to coordinate family and young adult ministries, in addition to these new responsibilities.
 
2. I would also like to update you on the work of our Campus Space Planning Committee. Beginning in January of 2018 this diverse group of parishioners worked to establish a vision for our campus to prepare us for the next 100 years of service to the Church and the city. Earlier this year this group completed its work in providing a vision and set of priorities to ensure our buildings and campus serve both our current needs and the needs of future generations engaged at The Basilica and serving the community. Their efforts have helped us move into the future with confidence and hope. I am enormously grateful for all the time and effort they put into this important work. 
As a next step, we began a process to select a team of talented individuals and organizations to assist us in creating a new more specific Master Plan for The Basilica and its campus. This team will provide expertise in key areas such as Architecture, Historical Preservation, Urban Strategy and Landscaping. The process, included “Requests for Qualifications” and later “Requests for Proposals” ” and in person interviews. In these requests we wanted architectural firms that could work as a team with urban planners, historical preservationists, and landscape architects. We eventually interviewed three teams and ultimately recommended to The Basilica Landmark Board that the team, led by the Architectural firm HGA be hired to develop a Master Plan for our Basilica Campus. The Landmark Board approved the funding of this recommendation and we began negotiations for a contract with HGA. 
Our next step was to form a small Master Planning Committee to work with HGA and their team in the development of the Master Plan for The Basilica and its campus. This Committee has begun meeting and will continue to meet for the next several months. We will set up some smaller subcommittees to examine some specific issues, e.g. accessibility, music, parking and liturgy. 
 
3. Feasibility Study: As I have mentioned previously, The Landmark Board also approved funding to hire the firm of Bentz Whaley Flessner to conduct a feasibility study to help determine fund raising capacity for a potential Capital Campaign needed to implement elements of the newly developed Master Plan.
As the work of the Campus Space Planning, Master Plan Development, Feasibility Study and potential Capital Campaign have broad implications for our Parish we have been actively engaged with The Basilica Landmark Board, Parish Council and Finance Committee to ensure our leaders are informed and appropriately involved in providing guidance and approval. 
 
4. Our Strategic Plan: Our Parish, Our Future: As I have mentioned previously, several months ago we began the process of developing a new strategic plan for our parish. (Our previous plan carried us through spring of 2018.) This plan will serve as a road map to guide and direct our efforts for the next three to five years. 
The reason we engage in strategic planning is simple. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29.18) If we don’t consciously and prayerfully plan for our future, we are at risk of drifting into a future not of our choosing and certainly not of our making. 
I am pleased to report that at the October 2018 meeting of our Parish Council our new Strategic Plan was approved. The new Strategic Plan retains our core Vision, Mission, and Values, and builds on instead of replacing, the previous strategic plan. There are three new Strategic Areas of Focus in our Strategic Plan: The Arts: to move, inspire and transform individuals and communities through excellence in the arts and creative practices. Inclusivity: to build a culture where people feel valued, welcome, integrated, and included. Homelessness: to respond to the needs of people experiencing or at risk of homelessness
We continue to work with a team of volunteer leaders and The Basilica staff to assist in both executing the strategic plan and ensure we develop the right metrics and governance to ensure the outcomes desired are achieved.
 
5. Our Parish Finances: As I write this missive we have just ended our fiscal year. The good news is that thanks to the generosity of our parishioners, we ended the fiscal year with a much less than anticipated deficit. (The deficit is covered by a portion of the rental income from our school building.) The bad news is that the income from our financial stewardship is not keeping pace with the increase in our expenses. While we are not at a critical juncture yet, we are at the point where if we don’t do something, the issue will only get worse. 
  Given the above, and to support the implementation of our Strategic Plan, our Parish Council and Finance Committee approved funding to hire a Change Management Consultant to help us identify those ministries, programs, services, etc. that are important and necessary for our parish community, and help us determine what services, ministries and programs will continue, change or end. Our new Strategic Plan will provide the foundation to guide our decision making process and prioritization.
 
6. Archdiocesan Synod: On the Vigil of Pentecost (June 8, 2019), Archbishop Hebda formally announced that our archdiocese will be embarking on a synod, our first since 1939. A synod is a formal representative assembly designed to help a bishop in shepherding of the local Church. It is the Archbishop’s hope that over the next two years, the synod process will involve every parish and draw on the gifts that have been bestowed in such abundance on the people of this archdiocese to discern and establish clear pastoral priorities in a way that will both promote greater unity in our Archdiocese and lead us to a more vigorous proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. In doing so, it will help Archbishop Hebda discern, through a consultative process, the pastoral priorities of our local Church today – and into the near future.
Archbishop Hebda described the local pre-synod and synod process as following Pope Francis’ “listening Church” model. “It’s the confidence that comes from believing that the Holy Spirit works in the faithful, and it’s in sharing those things that are most important to us that we’re able to recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit,” 
The synod process will begin this fall with prayer and listening events. After these events, in the spring/summer of 2020, Archbishop Hebda will announce the topics that will shape the synod. In autumn of 2020 and winter of 2021 there will be a parish and deanery consultation process. On Pentecost weekend May 21 – 22, 2021 there will be a synod assembly. Delegates to this assembly will be invited from across the archdiocese and will meet to discern synod topics and vote on recommendations for the Archbishop The Feast of Christ the King (November 21, 2021) is the anticipated publication of pastoral letter from Archbishop Hebda addressing the synod’s topics with a pastoral plan to shape the following 5-10 years 
I believe the synod process brings with it much promise for the future of our Archdiocese. It will only be successful, though, if people pray, participate, and honestly share their concerns, questions and hopes for our Archdiocese. I will share more information about the synod in the near future, as our parish organizes for our involvement and input. I wanted mention it now, though, so that it will hopefully be in your minds, hearts and prayers. 
 
7. 150th Anniversary of our Parish: As I hope you are aware this year our parish celebrates its Sesquicentennial. 150 years ago the Church of the Immaculate Conception was founded in Minneapolis. The first Mass was celebrated on October 4, 1868 in a shed church. A stone church followed and was dedicated in 1873. When the parish outgrew this building, seven lots were donated at 16th and Hennepin Ave. in 1904. The cornerstone for what is now known as The Basilica of Saint Mary (The Basilica of Saint Mary was originally known as the pro-Cathedral.) was laid in 1908, and the first Mass was celebrated in The Basilica on May 31, 1914. 
We kicked-off our year long celebration of our 150th anniversary on Sunday September 30th, 2018 with Archbishop Hebda presiding at the 9:30 am and 11:30 Masses am. We also held a marriage reunion celebration for all couples who were married at The Basilica. This Marriage Reunion took place on Saturday February 23, 2019, at the 5:00 pm Mass and was followed by a reception. It was a wonderful celebration with couples married a variety of years in attendance. 
There will be other events in the next few months to help us celebrate our Sesquicentennial as a parish. I invite you to attend as many of these as you are able as we celebrate 150 years of faith. In particular I would like to mention a School Reunion for former students of The Basilica School. This reunion will take place on Saturday September 7.
The celebration of our Sesquicentennial will conclude at our liturgies on the weekend of September 28 and 29 when we will celebrate our St. Vincent de Paul outreach ministries. Our auxiliary bishop, Andrew Cozzens will be our guest presider at the 9:30 am and 11:30 Masses pm that weekend. We are also inviting everyone to participate in “Basilica Serves,” a variety of volunteer experiences to help others in our city. More information about the activities and events surrounding the 150th anniversary of our parish can be found on our website at www.mary.org.
 
8. Parish Council Elections: I am pleased to inform you that in the recent elections for our Parish Council, Nadia Weber (representing Liturgy) and Donna Bonicatto (representing Learning) were elected to our Parish Pastoral Council. I am also pleased to report that Dr. Deirdre Palmer will serve as the liaison to the Parish Council from The Basilica Landmark. And Katelin Richter Davis has accepted appointment as an at-large member of the Council. Finally, Trevor Adamek will serve as the Finance Committee Representative to the Parish Council. I am very grateful to each of these individuals for their willingness to serve on our Parish Council. 
The members of our Parish Council represent a cross section of our parish. The Parish Council meets monthly and works with me and our staff to determine the needs, aspirations, and direction of our parish. As such it plays a vital role in our parish community. I am enormously grateful to our Council members for sharing their insights and expertise as we work together to carry out the mission of our parish. 
 
Rev. John M. Bauer
Pastor, The Basilica of Saint Mary
 
 
Posted by Fr. Bauer Comments 0 Categories Pastor's Blog, News
Cowley Parking Lot

Accessible Parking Update: Cowley Parking Lot

July 20, 2019

Please note that the construction equipment in the Cowley parking lot has restricted the spaces available. There are three spaces available near the 16th Street entrance. You may also access the Cowley lot through the west School staff parking lot. There are eight spaces available on the west side of the construction fence. The fence between the two lots has been removed for access during construction through October. 

More accessibility information


Thank you for your patience as we continue to repair and restore our campus buildings.

 

 

 

 

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When Home Won't Let You Stay
Photo provided by: 
James Bowey

When Home Won’t Let You Stay: Exhibition and Event

July 3, 2019

When Home Won’t Let You Stay: Stories of Refugees in America

Photographs by Jim Bowey

Exhibition: June 15 – July 28, 2019

Community Event:  Thursday July 18, 6-8:00 PM

 

 

WHEN HOME WON’T LET YOU STAY

 

“When Home Won’t Let You Stay” is a poignant traveling photography exhibition and community event series about refugees in Minnesota by documentary artist James A. Bowey. It provides a new perspective on the often hidden lives and compelling experiences of refugees in our communities. The number of globally displaced people has risen dramatically in recent years and is expected to continue to rise in response to ongoing conflicts, poverty, and climate change. International and national events have prompted debates in communities across the country about our duty to refugees, our American roots, and national identity. The exhibition consists of contemporary color portraits accompanied by first-person poetic stories that create an empathic experience of the plight and resilience of refugees working to make a new home in this country.

 

COMMUNITY EVENT

 

As part of the exhibition, James Bowey will present a live community event to consider the experiences of refugees, and our responses to the needs of displaced people around the world. Accompanied by live music and narrators from the community, he will present photographs, stories and reflections from “When Home Won’t Let You Stay,” and lead a community conversation about how current refugee policies and attitudes reflect the state of the empathetic imagination in our civic life. This compelling talk explores how we can bear witness in a contentious world, and awaken our imagination to the possibilities of hope, justice and human connection.

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Lent banners

Parking Notice: June 22/23

June 17, 2019

The MCTC parking ramp will be $10 for event parking for the Pride Parade next weekend. Parking is free in the lot under I-94.

More parking details

 

Parking

Handicap Accessibilty

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The Arizona Borderlands
Photo provided by: 
Richard Tsong-Taatari

The Arizona Borderlands

June 6, 2019

The Arizona Borderlands: Where humanitarian aid is being criminalized by Chris Serres. 

Out now in the new issue of BASILICA magazine. As we seek to grow in our faith, we are called to learn about what is happening in our communities, country, and world, and to reflect on this in prayer. 

The Arizona Borderlands
Where humanitarian aid is being criminalized 
by Chris Serres 

 

The Arizona Borderlands Basilica Magazine Spring 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASILICA magazine spring 2019
 

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BASILICA Magazine Spring 2019 cover

New spring 2019 BASILICA Magazine

May 21, 2019
BASILICA Magazine 

As we continue our parish’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration, this issue looks at some people at The Basilica who said “yes” to God’s invitations to service, using varied gifts to form one body in order to do Christ’s work abundantly.

One person provided beautiful bells to our parish, named after “everyday” saints who also answered God’s call. Some assist and guide our parish’s strategic planning and campus space initiatives. Others lend their voices to our Cathedral choir, performing in an interfaith Together in Hope concert. Many more help at Basilica events, including the 25th annual Basilica Block Party, the recent wedding reunion, or the upcoming all school reunion.

Melissa Streit, Editor
 

Thank you to the dedicated volunteer team who created the issue.

BASILICA magazine spring 2019
 

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Inside this issue:

Our Parish, Our Future
Focusing on the next five years 
by Bob Kleiber 

The Future of The Basilica
Planning for our space needs 
by Kathy Andrus 

Our Teresa of Calcutta Hall
A place of service, fellowship, and community 
by Melissa Streit 

The Arizona Borderlands
Where humanitarian aid is being criminalized 
by Chris Serres 

Mary, Untier of Knots
New icon commissioned 
by Elyse Rethlake 

Walker Art Center’s New Executive Director
An interview with Mary Ceruti 
by Johan M.J. vanParys, Ph.D. 

The Basilica Wedding Reunion
by Mae Desaire 

The Journey of Our Bells
Our invitation to the city 
by Toni McNaron 

The Basilica’s Caring Ministries
How can we help? 
by Rachel Newman

Together In Hope
The transformative power of music 
by Nick Hansen 

The Basilica Block Party
Twenty-five years of rock on the block 
by Melissa Streit

 

The award-winning BASILICA magazine is sponsored by The Basilica Landmark, a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to preserve, restore, and advance the historic Basilica of Saint Mary for all generations. 

BASILICA is published twice a year (spring and fall) with a circulation of 20,000. 
For advertising information please contact Liz Legatt.
 

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Photo provided by: 
Don Loegering

Fraud email scam notice: targeting priests and parishioners

May 20, 2019

Parishioners, please be aware of a current email scam. Fraud emails are being sent out from a gmail account impersonating Fr. Bauer. Do not open these emails or respond to them. 

More information about this scam can be found in a recent article from the Catholic Spirit.
https://thecatholicspirit.com/featured/online-scam-targets-priests-parishioners/ 

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Snack Pack 2017 Overview

Basilica Landmark to refurbish Teresa of Calcutta Hall

May 8, 2019

The Basilica Landmark has announced a funding initiative to refurbish the essential community space in the lower level of the church, the Teresa of Calcutta Hall. This primary gathering space in the lower level of the church serves the daily physical, mental, and emotional needs of thousands in the community. From homelessness, employment, and immigration support to interfaith collaborations, training seminars, artist exhibits and beyond—the funds raised will be designated to refurbish the essential community space.

The Basilica Landmark will kick-off this fundraising initiative, know as the Fund-A-Need, at the Landmark Spark—a special evening dedicated to keeping the flame alive for the beloved Basilica. The Landmark Spark event is reimagined this year to amp up the classic event to a night that ignites. 

The Landmark Spark event chair, Karen Capiz, is especially passionate about improving the community space used to support our neighbors in need. Karen volunteers with one of the many outreach programs and believes, “Having a welcoming, clean, comfortable space is important to best serve everyone who comes through The Basilica’s doors.”

The Basilica Landmark Board of Directors invites the community to support our effort to refurbish the essential community space. It is important that the physical building reflect our message of welcome and hospitality to all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landmark Spark
Saturday, May 18, 2019
The Machine Shop
300 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

The signature fundraising event features creative cuisine, specialty cocktails, and fantastic giving opportunities to support The Basilica Landmark.

To purchase tickets or make a gift to support the Fund-A-Need initiative visit www.thebasilicalandmark.org.

 

 

 

 

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Photo provided by: 
Rich Columbo

Vespers for Sri Lanka

April 24, 2019

Divine Mercy Sunday vespers will be devoted to the people of Sri Lanka. Please join us in prayer for the victims and for an end to violence. A book will be available for parishioners to share prayers that will be sent to the Cardinal of Sri Lanka.

April 28, 3:00pm 
Basilica Choir Stalls

 

 

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Easter cross

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

April 17, 2019

The Basilica of Saint Mary welcomes all to celebrate Holy Week and Easter, April 18 through April 21, 2019. The vibrant beauty and tradition at The Basilica will draw over 10,000 people for these sacred celebrations.

The most important days of Holy week, known as the Sacred Triduum, begin with Holy Thursday on April 18, and continue with Good Friday, April 19, Holy Saturday, April 20, and Easter Sunday, April 21.

“The Basilica is honored to welcome parishioners and visitors to celebrate the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Johan van Parys, director of liturgy and sacred arts at The Basilica.

 

Reveiw full schedule www.mary.org/holyweek

 

 

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