Welcome to Basilica Connect – our quarterly electronic publication which is meant to keep parishioners and friends updated on all the wonderful events, news, and opportunities at America’s First Basilica. We have moved to this new electronic format for several reasons including efficiency, cost, environmental stewardship, and not wanting to be duplicative of the many other information sources at The Basilica. For those who are not able to access Basilica Connect, we are happy to mail the weekly bulletin to you. Just contact the parish office and we can set this up.
Many wonderful events abound this fall at The Basilica, including the unveiling of the renovated section of the church, as we prepare for the broader restoration of the church interior in the coming months and years. August saw the relaunch of both the Basilica Block Party and the Basilica Golf Scramble. It was great to connect with old and new friends as we enjoyed beautiful August weather.
This fall, there are many learning opportunities as we seek to deepen our faith and avail ourselves of the wisdom of the Catholic Church. The Season of Creation will be celebrated in September and concludes on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Several talks are schedule for this period on the call to care for God’s creation – and we will host again the beloved Blessing of the Animals. Additionally, will take up the topic of Faithful Citizenship with a parishioner who teaches Christian Ethics at St. Thomas. Also in October, there will be a talk on the history of the synod as our sisters and brothers meet in Rome calling on the Holy Spirit to guide them. October 3 will be date we launch a new lecture series in memory of the late Reverend David Link with a talk given by Rob Vischer, president of the University of St. Thomas, and Marcus Cole, Dean of the Notre Dame Law School.
In addition, to the many learning opportunities this fall, The Basilica will host both the Red Mass to bless lawyers and the Blue Mass to bless all first responders. Lastly, Bingo will be back – a fan favorite for many! Check out our new Basilica Connect – I hope to see you often for a fun and full fall!
Peace,
Fr. Daniel Griffith
First Fridays
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, followed by an hour of Eucharistic adoration.
Starting September 6, following Noon Mass in the Saint Joseph Chapel.
The first Friday of each month we will pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus followed by quiet time for prayer in the presence of the Eucharist.
New Sunday Mass Times
Starting September 8
Sunday Mass Schedule will be 7:30am, 9:30am, Noon, and 5:30pm.
Saturday Mass will remain at 5:00pm.
Labor Day
September 2
Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am*. There will be no 7:00am or Noon Mass. Basilica offices and campus are closed in observance of the holiday. *livestream
Blessing of the Animals
October 6, 2:00pm
For more than 35 years we have celebrated the Feast of Saint Francis with a traditional blessing of animals.
November is the Month of Remembrance
We celebrate the solemnity of All Saints, the Feast of All Souls and Dia de los Muertos
30th Annual Icon Festival
The festival opens with a procession of icons during the 9:30am and Noon masses on Sunday, November 3. Icons dating from the 17th century to contemporary time will be displayed in the sanctuary November 1-24. The festival will include a bus tour to see icons in other Minneapolis churches and a talk by iconographer Nick Markell.
Transformative Textiles:
How Maya Women Transformed Rags into Rugs and Changed Their Lives
Works by artists from the Multicolores Collective in Guatemala
Exhibition: September 1 – November 24
Reception: Sunday, October 13, 1:30pm
Funeral Planning Workshop
Saturday, September 14, 10:00am
Join Johan van Parys in a conversation around funeral planning.
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), formerly RCIA, is the process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. OCIA provides weekly formation classes intended for those who are unbaptized, those who have an interest in converting to Catholicism from other Chistian denominations, or Catholics who have never received their confirmation. Children seven years and older are initiated through the OCIA adapted for children.
Liturgical Season of Creation
How will The Basilica join the global movement to celebrate the Season of Creation from September 1st through October 4th? The Basilica will pray, learn, act, and celebrate together over this month.
Fr. Daniel Griffith will begin a speaker series with a talk on the Catholic Foundations of Caring for Creation on September 8, 11:15am.
Faithful Citizenship
Sunday, October 13, 11:15am
What does our faith say about voting? Grounding our decisions at the polls in prayerful discernment, guided by our faith, is an important challenge and invitation. Join Dr. Paul Wojda from University of St. Thomas Theology Department as he leads us through a discussion about Faithful Citizenship.
Solidarity Across Borders
Since 2015, The Basilica has been actively welcoming and accompanying families from around the world through our Immigrant Support Ministry. Get to know each family and see where they have come from by clicking on the lines of this map.
Virtual Dialogue of Hope with Israeli and Palestinian Women
Sunday, November 3 at 11:15am (after 9:30am Mass)
Fr. Jesse Esqueda, OMI, Pastor of the Oblate mission in Tijuana, Mexico
Sunday, November 10 at 1:30pm
2024-25 Faith Formation
Register for Faith Formation for the 2024-2025 school year today! We offer formation for children from preschool through 12th grade.
Classes begin in September and run through April.
-
Faith Formation classes for ages 3 – 5th grade are offered on Sunday mornings during our 9:30am Mass.
-
Faith Formation classes for grades 6 – 7 are offered on Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:15pm
-
Youth Ministry Basilica YES program for grades 9 – 12 is offered on Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:15pm.
Access and Inclusion Ministry’s mission is to remove barriers that prevent the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in parish life and in the community at large. We do this by ensuring that The Basilica is a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Please join us at the following events this fall to learn more.
-
The Accessibility and Disability Awareness and Resource Fair
Sunday, September 29 (after 9:30 am and Noon Masses) -
Voting Accessibility Discussion Panel
Thursday, October 10, 6:30pm (doors open at 6:00pm)
It is the perfect time to volunteer at The Basilica! Many ministries and programs start in the fall, and your participation helps us fulfill our mission in our parish and community. Volunteering also offers significant benefits to your physical and mental health by nurturing relationships with others and providing a sense of purpose.
Explore volunteer ministries. We especially need Eucharistic ministers, ushers, safety/security volunteers, catechists, mentors, OCIA sponsors, and singers for our variety of choir ensembles.
Boom Island proved to be a beautiful setting for the relaunch of the Basilica Block Party. Guests were treated to an incredible lineup of local and national acts and celebrated summer.
Many thanks to our amazing Executive Committee, Lead Volunteer Planning Team, and many others who helped organize event details. We are grateful for all the volunteers who helped with set up, provided day of support, and clean up. We are very grateful to all our sponsors!
Save the Date for the Messiah Concert and Dinner
Thursday, December 19
Plan to celebrate the holidays with dinner followed by a beautiful performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, including an all-star roster of vocal soloists and renowned ensembles.