The Basilica of Saint Mary is honored to announce that Archbishop Bernard Hebda has appointed Fr. Ralph Talbot as the 13th Pastor and Rector, effective July 1, 2026. A celebratory installation Mass will follow in the coming months.
Fr. Talbot is from Anoka, Minnesota. He received an undergraduate degree in secondary education from St. Cloud State University and a law degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He served as an Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Florida for 10 years, prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases.
In 1998, he returned to Minnesota to enter the Saint Paul Seminary at the University of St. Thomas and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis on May 29, 2004.
Fr. Talbot has served as parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Saint Paul; pastor of St. Jude of the Lake in Mahtomedi; pastor of St. Mary of the Lake in White Bear Lake; and most recently as pastor of St. Hubert Catholic Community in Chanhassen.
Fr. Talbot has held several leadership positions in the Archdiocese since ordination. Fr. Talbot’s service includes: the Presbyteral Council, the College of Consultors, Pastor Review Board, Executive Director of the Presbyteral Council and he currently is serving as Chair of the Priest Advisory Council for the Archdiocesan Lord Renew Your Church Capital Campaign.
Fr. Daniel Griffith said, “I think Fr. Ralph Talbot is a terrific choice to lead The Basilica beginning this summer and beyond. Fr. Talbot is a friend who I have known since seminary—he is a gifted pastor, strong leader, compassionate shepherd, and able fundraiser. The Basilica will be well positioned under Fr. Talbot’s leadership for continued growth and renewal.”