“How many cows do you have?”
When I left my hometown in the greater Milwaukee area for Tulane University in Louisiana several decades ago, people didn’t necessarily appreciate the quality of life we enjoy here in the upper Midwest. Fortunately, perceptions of the upper Midwest have improved and Minnesota is known for many superior rankings. US News and World Report rated Minnesota fourth out of fifty states and we also rank highly in surveys for happiness and well-being. But the area I am most proud of in my adopted state is the area of philanthropy. WalletHub ranked Minnesota the third most charitable state, looking at both volunteerism and charitable giving.
Non-profits throughout Minnesota celebrate giving days as part of the GiveMN day in November. Many of us will be flooded with emails to participate in giving days at a variety of organizations, but I prayerfully choose to prioritize my giving to a few non-profits that I care about the most—with The Basilica is at the top of my list.
I know that our Day of Giving positively impacts vital Basilica programs and ministries that serve the community 365 days a year with vibrant liturgies, compassionate service, and tireless advocacy. I will never forget chatting with a man enjoying a cup of coffee and a place to stay warm here on a frigid New Year’s Day. He gratefully told me that The Basilica was one of the only places open where he could go that day. Or a call from someone looking for flexible volunteer options because she has small children and needed to complete community service hours for a first-time offender’s program to stay out of the criminal justice system. These are just a few of the many ways I experienced first-hand where The Basilica was the hands and feet of Christ, serving others in His name.
The Basilica’s Day of Giving is Thursday, November 21, and goes through that weekend. To ignite the generosity, donors have funded a $40,000 match for gifts given online or checks given in the donation basket at church that weekend.
Please look for details at mary.org/give starting earlier that week.
Generations of Basilica parishioners have shared abundantly to steward this parish for over a century. You can join this rich legacy of hope and faithfulness. Please join me in participating in The Basilica’s Day of Giving on November 21.
Melissa Streit
Director of Engagement