The Parish Council represents you—our parishioners. The Council plays a key role in working with the pastor to ensure that The Basilica of Saint Mary community continues to live out our mission and vision. Every registered adult parishioner is entitled to one vote.
Please vote for 2 individuals to represent parish ministries.
The election is open from May 27 – June 9, 2025. Ballots must be cast by June 9, 5:00pm.
Ballot now closed.
Jesse Winkler
I am honored to express my interest in serving on the parish council at The Basilica of Saint Mary. Throughout my career, I have developed leadership skills, cultivated a collaborative approach, and gained valuable experience in organizational development and problem-solving. These abilities equip me to contribute thoughtfully to the decisions and initiatives of the parish council, ensuring that our parish continues to grow in faith and fellowship. At The Basilica I actively participate in our liturgical ministries as an acolyte and serve with the grounds crew. I am a father of 4, currently work for the government in Human Resources, and serve as a Commissioner on the Three Rivers Park Board. I have a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry from North Central University.
David Rigert
My connection to The Basilica of Saint Mary began in 1989 while attending Minneapolis Community College. Having grown up Catholic, attended St Joan of Arc in South Minneapolis, I found The Basilica to be a warm and welcoming community.
My involvement in the parish includes: Pre-Covid I volunteered to be a Minister of Hospitality and an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. As Covid dissipated and the community slowly began to return to the church, there was a dire need to volunteer for both of these ministries. I served on the Liturgical Ministries Advisory Council for two and a half years post Covid.
I am currently the Vice President of Operations for an international company. Navigating various cultural norms and business perspectives to insure all participants are focused on the same objectives. These attributes relate to the Parish work of a Council Nominee in that they thoroughly examine all aspects of the task, they listen to the perspective of task participants and bring about a consensus from all departments for the agreed upon goal.
My involvement with other community organizations includes: Fishing for Life, St. Boni Elderly Neighbor Assist. Ensuring neighbors can remain in their homes. I’m married to my incredible bride Miluska for six wonderful years. We have a horse named Hopper, and a Siamese Cat named Miss Kitty.
Jennifer Lange – Incumbent
My name is Jennifer Lange. My husband, Stefan, and I have been parishioners since 2019. I’ve been honored to serve on our parish council over the past three years. My husband and I love this parish community! Over the years, we’ve enjoyed volunteering at The Basilica Block Party as docents introducing our neighbors to the beauty that is The Basilica. I’ve enjoyed serving in the faith formation program assisting in sharing the beauty of our Catholic faith to our parish youth. Currently, I serve as a Eucharistic Minister. I’ve been blessed to serve on the Parish Council for the past three years and serve as Parish Council Vice Chair over the last two years.
I’m excited for The Basilica’s involvement in this year’s Loring Park Art Festival. I’ve been a proponent of our involvement in this important community event and am excited to see us become involved this summer. I would be honored to continue finding new ways for The Basilica to connect with the broader community as a member of the parish council. Thank you for your involvement and connection with The Basilica of Saint Mary!