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.
The election is open from May 29 – June 10, 2024. Ballots must be cast by June 10, 5:00pm.
Ballot Closed
We are pleased to announce our candidates, who are well qualified and exhibit the spirit of stewardship, volunteerism, and leadership that make The Basilica of Saint Mary such a special place.
Christian Life
Embodies the many ways we serve one another and work for justice. Volunteer opportunities include caring, charity, and justice ministries. Together, we work to serve, accompany, and defend one another.
Colin Rouser, Parish Member since 2015
I am originally from Chicago, IL but have made Minneapolis my home since 2014. I have been a Basilica parishioner for 9 years, joining in 2015. I was one of the founding members of the Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Leadership Team alongside Janice Anderson and team.
I am very active in the music ministries and am a member of the Cathedral Choir, Schola Cantorum, and Cantor ministries. My wife Grace and I were married at The Basilica in 2020.
I believe deeply in the work and mission of The Basilica, and its ability to change hearts. I am very grateful for the consideration to serve on the Parish Council, as it’s work is essential to the parish, and the community as we navigate the vision, mission, and work of the church ahead.
Learning ministries
Providing quality lifelong learning and faith formation opportunities for children, youth, families, and people of all ages to engage with Christian scripture, Catholic teachings and traditions, and sacramental preparation.
Mary Ellen Jordan, Parish Member since 2006
I am a retired English Professor with a doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota. One chapter of my Ph.D. dissertation was on Cardinal Henry Newman’s Apologia Pro Vita Sua. My focus on Newman has carried over to a continuing interest in The Idea of a University, Newman’s defense of liberal education.
I served for ten years as President of the Newman Forum at the University of Minnesota and taught English at St. Thomas, Hamline, and St. Catherine Universities. I also enjoyed tutoring English for three years at Cristo Rey in Minneapolis. I graduated from Mundelein College, now subsumed into Chicago’s Loyola University. I am long married, the mother of five grown children, the grandmother of seven. My family has a long history with the Basilica, and I have been a Basilica parishioner for about ten years. Education is my passion, and I am committed to the Basilica’s mission to provide learning opportunities for our community.
Andrea Lutterman: Incumbent, Parish Member since 2010
After attending The Basilica since 2008, I officially joined the parish in 2010 when I answered a repeated call for volunteer catechists. I worked with early elementary ages for 5 years. When I felt a call to deepen my knowledge, I joined Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) as a sponsor. After two years as an RCIA sponsor I was invited to join the team.
As a team member, I support adults who are seeking to join the church and those who are sponsoring them. I also help to plan the weekly sessions and retreats as well as facilitating those events. In the last year, I have also joined the Acolyte and Eucharistic Minister teams. Four years ago, I joined the Equity Diversity Inclusion Leadership Team and have helped develop a position statement recently approved by the Parish Council that has led to conversation and learning within our parish. I also trained and am active as a Circle Keeper as part of our Restorative Justice Ministries.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Minnesota State University, Mankato and worked in public accounting in Mankato. Since 2008, I’ve been working in Minneapolis in various accounting roles. I have appreciated the opportunity to serve in a leadership role on the Parish Council.