Do you know someone who would be a good candidate to serve as a parish leader on The Basilica Parish Council? Do you find yourself called by the Holy Spirit to serve in this role?
Yearly, The Basilica of Saint Mary holds elections among parishioners to fill positions that will serve on The Basilica Parish Council. These elected positions are asked to represent the ministerial areas of the Parish’s spiritual life, including Christian Life, Learning, and Liturgy and the Sacred Arts. As voting members of the Parish Council, the elected parishioners will serve as advisors to Father Griffith with respect to matters of ministry as well as with respect to the operation of the Parish. The Parish Council members work to advance the mission of The Basilica and serve as ambassadors of The Basilica to parishioners and partners as we grow and position our beloved Basilica to better serve our parish and community.
Members will provide advice and support to Father Griffith during this exciting period of Basilica restoration and renewal. They will work with Basilica Staff and volunteers to further the Key Strategic Focus Areas for The Basilica. They will provide leadership for advancing The Basilica mission in terms of impact and sustainability.
According to our Parish Council Constitution, “The role of the Council is to be sensitive to the needs, ambitions and desires of the Parish community as the Parish fulfills its mission as stated in the Parish mission statement. The Council brings these insights and sensitivities to the Pastor/Rector in the form of recommendations or suggestions so that the Pastor/Rector can make informed decisions.”
Serving as a Parish Council Member is a critical role in our parish, and we invite you to be a part of the nomination process for the coming elections.
This year there are two elected positions open. These positions will be elected specifically to represent the ministerial areas conducted by the Basilica but would also advise and vote on other matters brought before the Parish Council. Candidates will not be elected to represent a specific area of ministry but should identify in the nomination process those areas of ministry in which they are involved or have a strong interest (such as Christian Life, Liturgy and Arts, Learning, and Music).
Each of these positions is held for a three-year term (2025-2028). The Parish Council meets with Father Griffith five times per year between September and May.
The election process will begin officially when nominations open on March 22. Nomination forms will be available electronically through a link to be provided in Parish announcements. We invite and encourage parishioners to nominate themselves or fellow parishioners to serve as members of the Parish Council.
The deadline to submit names for nomination is April 17. After nominations are received, the Parish Council Nominations Committee will review and select at least two nominees to run in the council election. All nominees will be notified of the selections and those running will be asked to provide a photograph and a brief biography by April 25. The Parish Council elections will take place May 27 through June 9.
We ask all parishioners to take some time to listen to the Holy Spirit. Who from our community would be a good addition to the council? A neighbor? A spouse? You?
The Basilica of Saint Mary needs your input and your voice. Thank you in advance and may you enjoy a fruitful Lenten Season!
David Link
Parish Council Chair