Nominations open March 8 – 30, 2026
Parishioners are invited to nominate excellent candidates who are registered parish members to serve on the Parish Council. Please prayerfully consider nominating yourself or a fellow parishioner.
All names submitted will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee. Please call the parish office at 612.333.1381 if you have any questions.
Stepping Forward in a Season of Transition
Jennifer Lange
Parish Council Chair, The Basilica of Saint Mary
The year ahead will mark a significant chapter in the life of our parish.
In July, we will offer our gratitude and prayers as Fr. Daniel begins his new role at St. Thomas, and we will welcome a new pastor to shepherd our community. Just weeks before that, in April, we will move our Masses to St. Theresa of Calcutta Hall as restoration begins in earnest in the main worship space of the Basilica of St. Mary.
Moments like these invite both excitement and uncertainty. They also call forth strong, faithful leadership.
The Parish Council plays a vital role. Council members serve as trusted advisors to the Pastor, listening carefully to the hopes, concerns, and insights of parishioners and offering thoughtful recommendations for the good of the whole community. They help ensure that our mission remains steady even as circumstances change.
In recent months, we have hosted Parish Council Meet & Greets to give parishioners greater access to those who serve in leadership. These gatherings have reminded us of something important: our parish is rich with wisdom, generosity, and quiet leaders who care deeply about the future of our community.
Now we ask: Who is being called to step forward?
Is there someone you know who demonstrates thoughtful faith, sound judgment, and a collaborative spirit? Someone who listens well and seeks unity? Someone who loves this parish and wants to help guide it through this important season?
Perhaps that person is you.
Parish Council service is a meaningful commitment. Members serve a three-year term and gather regularly with the Pastor for prayerful discernment and discussion. In recent years, meetings have generally been held every other month, though that rhythm may shift as we welcome new pastoral leadership and discern the needs of the coming year. Especially during a season of pastoral transition and major restoration work, the voice and presence of committed lay leaders are essential.
The nomination process for the 2026 Parish Council elections will open on March 8 at mary.org and close on March 29. After nominees are confirmed, parish-wide voting will take place from April 12 through April 26.
Please take time in prayer and reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your discernment. Consider who in our parish community could help bolster our lay leadership during this time of great transition.
Leadership in the Church is not about titles — it is about service. It is about steady hands, open hearts, and a willingness to say “yes” when the moment calls.
This is one of those moments.
Thank you for your prayerful participation in this important process and for the many ways you continue to strengthen our parish community.