Throughout the Eastertide season we have the opportunity to reflect on new life– in our church and in our community. This past Easter we had the highest attendance at Mass in several years. It was joyful and rejuvenating for our faith community.
As Spring approaches we look forward to many opportunities to open our doors to the city. Inviting our wider community into The Basilica is a focus of our strategic directions to expand participation in our vision and mission.
Next weekend, May 13-14, The Basilica will participate in Doors Open Minneapolis. This two-day event invites the public to explore buildings that tell our city’s story and its rich architectural history.
Summers in The Basilica neighborhood are alive with music and events across the street in Loring Park. As an anchor to downtown, and leader in our community, The Basilica maintains close relationships with our neighborhood partners including Love Loring-Citizens for a Loring Park Community and the Friends of Loring Park.
In June, our plaza will be filled with music as we participate in the Minneapolis Downtown Council’s annual program Pianos on Parade. Each piano is painted by local artists to reflect Minneapoilis. This summer tradition invites impromptu concerts and joyful presence to our sidewalks.
The Basilica also participates in local National Night Out (NNO) events every year on the first Tuesday in August. This year our neighborhood event is August 1 at The Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, across Loring Park. Minneapolis leads the country in NNO participation. Every year, residents take part in the festivities to get to know each other and help build relationships to encourage neighborhood safety and community.
As we work to truly “seek the well-being of the city,” we look for opportunities to welcome the city in, beyond the bronze doors, and experience the beauty, warmth, and hospitality of The Basilica.
Mae Desaire
Director of Marketing and Communications