Volunteer Opportunities Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic:
It’s inspiring in these challenging times to help our community and neighbors in need. We encourage people to shelter in place, but have referred volunteers who want to help to Catholic Charities, as they have systems in place to be of immediate assistance and can use volunteers. We currently do not have volunteer opportunities at The Basilica and have suspended our SVdP outreach ministries until further notice.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities is working closely with their public and private partners, including the Minnesota Department of Health, to prevent and limit the spread of the Coronavirus in their sites. Their top priority is the health and safety of volunteers, guests and staff. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and they must be accompanied by an adult (1 adult per every 5 minors) at meal sites and the Distribution Center. Opportunities include:
- Hand sanitizer (32 oz. or larger is preferred, but any and all is greatly appreciated)
- Hygiene produces (soap, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, razors)
- Sanitizing wipes
- Medical grade face masks
- Gatorade/Powerade
- Chicken soup in microwaveable cups or pop top can
- Saltine crackers
- 16 oz Sprite
- Jello cups
- Applesauce cups
- Macaroni and Cheese microwavable cups
- Plastic eating utensils (forks, spoons and knives)
- Snack and sandwich size plastic bags
- Boost/Ensure
To sign up:
Memorial Blood Center
There is an urgent need for blood donations of all types. Get information here.
Additional Volunteer Resources
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry have volunteer information at mnresponds.org.
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Advocate for our Neighbors in Need
Email your State Senator and/or State Reprentative
Suggested email to copy and paste. Please be sure to include your first name, last name, and full home address so they know you are their constituent. Look up your state officials here.
"As the entire state monitors and prepares for the developing COVID-19 virus, emergency shelter and service providers for people experiencing homelessness like Catholic Charities are working around the clock to maintain critical services while protecting a vulnerable population and front line staff.
It is urgent that as budget and other responses to COVID-19 are developed that emergency shelters and services are considered as part of an integrated system which includes other health care providers, skilled nursing facilities, and others who serve and support high-risk, vulnerable populations. This funding will help Minnesota continue to serve this vulnerable population, many of whom are older and with underlying health conditions, and keep our emergency shelter system from being overwhelmed by the added pressure of COVID-19."
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Other volunteer ministries are suspended to protect people from possible exposure to the Coronavirus and for the common good and welfare of our community.
Interested in Getting Involved - But Not Sure How?
Join us for Volunteer Orientation to learn more about Volunteer Ministry at The Basilica - at each session Staff and Volunteer Leaders will help you find a ministry that compliments your passion, skills, and interests.
Register online to join us for an upcoming session.
Explore our many volunteer opportunities.
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Current Open Needs - ministries that need volunteers now
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Family Friendly - ministries suitable for the entire family
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Search by schedule - find opportunities that will fit your availability
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Search by interest - find opportunities that fit your interests and skills
- Search by talent and spiritual gift
Safe Environment Information
We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members, guests, and those who participate in our ministries. To that end, we conduct background checks and require VIRTUS training for all persons who volunteer in positions involving risk, particularly those serving children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
A driving record check is completed on all volunteers who drive as part of their responsibilities and a credit check on those who handle large sums of money. Every three years volunteers are required to go through a re-credentialing process.
If you have questions about any of these policies or how to complete any requirements please contact The Basilica's Safe Environment Coordinator, Melissa Streit. For information on the specific requirements you will need to complete, and instructions on how to complete every requirement, please log into your MyBasilica account and navigate to the MyMinistry page.
Adult Volunteer's Code of Conduct - All adult volunteers (those 18 and older) are required to read and sign this form annually, regardless of their role at The Basilica
Youth Volunteer Code of Conduct - The Basilica asks our children and youth who serve our community to sign a Code of Conduct crafted specifically for them annually
Volunteer Policies, Procedures & Forms - The why and how of background checks
Principles for Child Protection Catechesis - theological grounding for our efforts
Office for Ministerial Standards and Safe Environment - From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis - how to report suspected abuse plus other valuable information and resources