Responding to the Crisis in Our City February 2, 2026

Individually and collectively, The Basilica of Saint Mary community is responding to the critical needs of our immigrant sisters and brothers in these troubled times. Together, we seek to promote and protect human dignity through individual action and organized collective support.  

Organized Collective Action:

  • Basilica St. Vincent de Paul Ministry is paying rent, providing food, transportation assistance, and paying legal fees for our brothers and sisters who are unable to work. We continue to partner with our sister parish.
    • During these challenging times, we are expanding our reach beyond the scope of our normal SVdP focus to support families needing protection and are unable to work.
    • We are building momentum partnering with other Catholic parishes, interfaith networks, and local non-profits.    
    • We are providing children, youth, and adults with important legal documentation through a partnership with Immigration Law Project, Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.
  • If you know of someone who is unable to have basic needs met due to safely concerns, please reach out to jandersen@mary.org or call 612-317-3477. If you know someone who needs rides to church, reach out and offer to drive them.  Let us know if you need help.

Individual Action:

  • We invite you to pray for discernment about what you are being called to do, at this time in our city. Consider intentional prayer before or after Mass. Or find a time of quiet to listen to what the Spirit is calling you to.
  • Consider going to act-tc.org for many volunteer opportunities that walk alongside our immigrant brothers and sisters. Or contact jandersen@mary.org for opportunities at The Basilica or with other Catholic parishes. There is something for us all to do, in small and big ways.
  • Take action through the principle of subsidiarity and help your neighbors.

Local Immigration Firms and Organizations Providing Legal Services
to our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters during this time of crisis