Dear Friends: Once again I am pleased to present to you our year in review report. During this Year of Mercy our parishioners have demonstrated amazing compassion and commitment. The individuals impacted by The Basilica throughout this year have experienced the power and spirit of God s mercy. This report captures the remarkable ministries, works of social justice, liturgical celebrations, and learning opportunities that are the hallmark of our parish community. Thank you for your dedication and support! We initiated a partnership with Lutheran Social Services to co-sponsor refugee families. Our first family, from Somalia, arrived in Minneapolis in February 2016 from the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya. We plan to sponsor at least two more families in the coming year. Also, through our St. Vincent de Paul Ministry 3,758 people received a voucher for a state ID cards, driver s licenses, or birth certificates, allowing them access to housing, employment and other essential services. The liturgical calendar takes us through the joyous celebration of Advent and Christmas to the solemn quiet of Lent and the new life of Easter. Throughout the past year we celebrated at total of 891 Masses with almost 173,000 attendees. Our faith formation programs were attended by 306 children and 972 adults. Participants explored our Catholic traditions and strengthened their faith. Throughout the year we celebrated 142 baptisms and 60 confirmations welcoming children and adults into a deeper relationship with God. We look to the future with hope as we work to serve more people through our vital ministries and establish the financial security of the parish. Thank you to our parishioners, volunteers and visitors for sharing your stewardship gifts. Please remember, no matter what brings you to The Basilica and wherever you are in your faith journey, you are welcome here. Rev. John M. Bauer Pastor, The Basilica of Saint Mary
VISITS FROM EMMAUS LISTENING VOLUNTEERS CONFIRMATIONS
BAPTISMS POSTCARDS SENT TO OVER 30 ELECTED OFFICIALS BY VOICES FOR JUSTICE VOLUNTEERS ADVOCATING FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE
EVENTS INCLUDING: PARISH PICNIC BLESSING OF THE WHEELS BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS VOICES OF LIGHT LIGHT OF THE WORLD SPIRIT & SOUL MESSIAH CONCERT BASILICA DAY BINGO, AND MORE ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN 37 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Responding to Pope Francis call during this Year of Mercy, the Basilica community and our St. Vincent de Paul Ministry donated funds to co-sponsor three families living in refugee camps throughout the world. In February 2016, the first family arrived from the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya. The family had spent over twenty years in the refugee camp, fleeing their home in Somalia. All four of the couple s children were born in the refugee camp. Partnering with Lutheran Social Services, we provided critical support to a refugee family as they begin their new lives in Minnesota. The transition period families experience during resettlement can be extremely difficult. Families often undergo culture shock, grieve the loss of their home and loved ones, adjust to new requirements, and try to learn how to navigate in an entirely new system. OUR SPONSORED REFUGEE FAMILY ARRIVED Basilica parishioners walk side by-side with families during their first few months in the United States. As many families start a new life with next to nothing, the path to self-sufficiency feels much less overwhelming when there is guidance and support of a community. We are grateful to the Basilica community for your financial and emotional support. It makes a big difference in a refugee family s life. FULL TIME EQUIVALENT EMPLOYEES
VISITS ANNUALLY FOR GRIEF MINISTRY RECEIVING FULL OR FIRST COMMUNION HOSTED PRE-INSTALLATION PRAYER SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOP HEBDA
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP SERIES ATTENDEES CHILDREN AND YOUTH (AGES 3 HIGH SCHOOL) IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CONCERTS HELD IN THE BASILICA
PARISH HOUSEHOLDS TO TOTAL PARISH MEMBERS EXHIBITS OF ART AND ARTIFACTS FEATURED: ANNIVERSARIES OF THE SOLEMN DEDICATION AND ORGAN DEDICATION WOOD CARVINGS DAY OF THE DEAD OFRE NDAS CROSSES, ICONS, CRÈCHES PAINTINGS OF VISITATION NUNS AND MONASTERY INTERACT ARTISTS BASILICA PHOTOGRAPHS FIRST COMMUNION CONFESSIONALS AND STATIONS OF THE CROS S THE MARY CHAPEL AND ROSARY PROCESSIONS PRAYER LINE INTENTIONS WITH PRAYER LINE PARTICIPANTS
YEAR-ROUND FAITH SHARING GROUPS, PLUS MORE DURING LENT INTERFAITH INITIATIVES INCLUDING VESPERS SERVICES, PEACE SERVICES FOR FRANCE AND ORLANDO, DOWNTOWN CONGREGATIO NS TO END HOMELESSNESS, FEAST DAYS, AND DURI NG ADVENT AND LENT
MASSES HELD WITH IN TOTAL ATTENDANCE GALLONS OF ICE CREAM SERVED AT BASILICA DAY TAIZÉ PRAYER SERVICES
ITEMS DISPLAYED FROM LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS VOLUNTEERS FILLING SNACK PACKS FOR ASCENSION SCHOOL
1700 photographs archival records 300 drawings and blue prints wor ks of art PRAYER SHAWLS LOVINGLY KNITTED AND DISTRIBUTED CUMULATIVE VISITS TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE CATALOGUING 800 ARCHIVAL RECORDS, 300 DRAWINGS, 1700 PHOTOGRAPHS & 800 WORKS OF ART
Your generous gifts for Financial Stewardship provide crucial support, allowing us to serve the widest possible community with the best possible expressions of God s love and grace.
SERVED IN EMPLOYMENT MINISTRY, WITH MOVED TO WORK OR SCHOOL SANDWICHES SHARED WITH NEIGHBORS IN NEED
VOLUNTEERS MENTORED MCTC STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS FAMILIES RECEIVED HELP TO KEEP HOUSING AND PREVENT HOMELESSNESS OF THOSE ARE PARISHIONERS
RECEIVED VOUCHERS FOR NEW WORK OR SCHOOL SHOES RECEIVED GAS VOUCHERS TO GET TO WORK, SCHOOL AND APPOINTMENTS
ATTENDED PATHWAYS LIFE-SKILLS MENTORING PROGRAMS RECEIVED METRO TRANSIT BUS CARDS TO COMMUTE TO NEW EMPLOYMENT ROSARIES DISTRIBUTED MONTHLY