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 1 individual to represent parish ministries.
The election is open from Sunday, April 19 – Sunday, May 3, 2026. Ballots must be cast by May 3 at 5:00pm.
Mattie Melin
Incumbent
My name is Mattie Melin and I am running for a second term in parish council because the Basilica is my home. My parents were married here, I was born here, baptized here, had all my sacraments here including my own marriage in 2024. We are expecting our first child in July and I am excited to baptize them at the Basilica as well. This is more than a parish to me. It’s my family, my identity, and the most consistent presence in my life. I am active in the music ministry as a cantor, member of the Schola and the Cathedral choir. I have been involved in ministry at every stage of my life and want to use that knowledge to help the parish create and maintain programs that are important to the parishioners. The idea of ushering the parish during this exciting transition during the restoration energizes me. I want to work to inform a parish culture that will be as impactful to the children growing up at the Basilica as it was for me. Thank you!
Patrick Fasano
Since moving to the Twin Cities a little over a year ago, I have truly found my home at The Basilica. I am honored to be nominated to serve on the parish council at a time of both great change and great opportunity. Over the last year I have become heavily involved with The Basilica community, being a member of the Cathedral Choir, a member of the Chorus Cantorum (cantor and psalmist ministry), a eucharistic minister, an OCIA sponsor, and a leader of the Basilica Young Adults (BYA) group. Before coming to Minnesota, I did my bachelor’s degree and PhD in physics at the University of Notre Dame, followed by a short stint as a postdoctoral researcher in the Chicago area. I now work in tech as a software engineer.
With the restoration of The Basilica and the move to Theresa of Calcutta Hall for worship, plus the arrival of Fr. Talbot as our new pastor and rector, the parish is experiencing a huge transition. With the influx of new Catholics (especially young adults) entering the Church, the parish has great opportunity for growth and renewal. I hope I can serve the parish council by providing a fresh perspective which is informed by my background as a Catholic scientist.