2016 Year in Review

Dear Friends:

Once again I am pleased to present to you our year in
review report. During this Year of Mercy our parishioners
have demonstrated amazing compassion and commitment.
The individuals impacted by The Basilica throughout this
year have experienced the power and spirit of God’s mercy.
This report captures the remarkable ministries, works of
social justice, liturgical celebrations, and learning
opportunities that are the hallmark of our parish community.
Thank you for your dedication and support!

We initiated a partnership with Lutheran Social Services to co-sponsor refugee
families. Our first family, from Somalia, arrived in Minneapolis in February 2016 from
the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya. We plan to sponsor at least two
more families in the coming year. Also, through our St. Vincent de Paul Ministry 3,758
people received a voucher for a state ID cards, driver’s licenses, or birth certificates,
allowing them access to housing, employment and other essential services.

The liturgical calendar takes us through the joyous celebration of Advent and
Christmas to the solemn quiet of Lent and the new life of Easter. Throughout the past
year we celebrated at total of 891 Masses with almost 173,000 attendees.

Our faith formation programs were attended by 306 children and 972 adults.
Participants explored our Catholic traditions and strengthened their faith. Throughout
the year we celebrated 142 baptisms and 60 confirmations welcoming children and
adults into a deeper relationship with God.

We look to the future with hope as we work to serve more people through our vital
ministries and establish the financial security of the parish. Thank you to our
parishioners, volunteers and visitors for sharing your stewardship gifts.

Please remember, no matter what brings you to The Basilica and wherever you are in
your faith journey, you are welcome here.

Rev. John M. Bauer
Pastor, The Basilica of Saint Mary

VISITS FROM EMMAUS
LISTENING VOLUNTEERS

CONFIRMATIONS

BAPTISMS

POSTCARDS SENT TO
OVER 30 ELECTED
OFFICIALS BY VOICES FOR
JUSTICE VOLUNTEERS
ADVOCATING FOR THE
MOST VULNERABLE

EVENTS INCLUDING:
 PARISH PICNIC
 BLESSING OF THE

WHEELS
 BLESSING OF THE

ANIMALS
 VOICES OF LIGHT
 LIGHT OF THE WORLD
 SPIRIT & SOUL
 MESSIAH CONCERT
 BASILICA DAY
 BINGO, AND MORE

ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN
37 RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

OPPORTUNITIES

Responding to Pope Francis’ call OUR
during this Year of Mercy, the
Basilica community and our SPONSORED REFUGEE
St. Vincent de Paul Ministry FAMILY ARRIVED
donated funds to co-sponsor three
families living in refugee camps FULL TIME
throughout the world. EQUIVALENT
EMPLOYEES
In February 2016, the first family
arrived from the Dadaab Refugee
Camp in Kenya. The family had
spent over twenty years in the
refugee camp, fleeing their home in
Somalia. All four of the couple’s
children were born in the refugee
camp.

Partnering with Lutheran Social
Services, we provided critical
support to a refugee family as they
begin their new lives in Minnesota.
The transition period families
experience during resettlement can
be extremely difficult. Families often
undergo culture shock, grieve the
loss of their home and loved ones,
adjust to new requirements, and try
to learn how to navigate in an
entirely new system.

Basilica parishioners walk side
by-side with families during their
first few months in the United
States. As many families start a
new life with next to nothing, the
path to self-sufficiency feels much
less overwhelming when there is
guidance and support of a
community.

We are grateful to the Basilica
community for your financial and
emotional support. It makes a big
difference in a refugee family’s life.

VISITS ANNUALLY FOR
GRIEF MINISTRY

RECEIVING
FULL OR FIRST

COMMUNION

HOSTED PRE-INSTALLATION
PRAYER SERVICE FOR
ARCHBISHOP HEBDA

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
SERIES ATTENDEES

CHILDREN AND YOUTH
(AGES 3—HIGH SCHOOL)
IN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

CONCERTS HELD IN
THE BASILICA

PARISH HOUSEHOLDS
TO TOTAL

PARISH MEMBERS

EXHIBITS OF ART AND
ARTIFACTS FEATURED:
 ANNIVERSARIES OF THE
SOLEMN DEDICATION AND
ORGAN DEDICATION
 WOOD CARVINGS
 DAY OF THE DEAD OFRENDAS
 CROSSES, ICONS, CRÈCHES
 PAINTINGS OF VISITATION
NUNS AND MONASTERY
 INTERACT ARTISTS
 BASILICA PHOTOGRAPHS
 FIRST COMMUNION
 CONFESSIONALS AND
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
 THE MARY CHAPEL AND
ROSARY PROCESSIONS

PRAYER LINE
INTENTIONS

WITH
PRAYER LINE
PARTICIPANTS

YEAR-ROUND FAITH
SHARING GROUPS, PLUS

MORE DURING LENT

INTERFAITH INITIATIVES
INCLUDING VESPERS

SERVICES, PEACE SERVICES
FOR FRANCE AND ORLANDO,
DOWNTOWN CONGREGATIONS

TO END HOMELESSNESS,
FEAST DAYS, AND DURING

ADVENT AND LENT

MASSES HELD WITH IN TOTAL ATTENDANCE

GALLONS OF ICE CREAM
SERVED AT

BASILICA DAY

TAIZÉ
PRAYER
SERVICES

ITEMS DISPLAYED FROM
LOCAL, NATIONAL AND

INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

VOLUNTEERS
FILLING

SNACK PACKS FOR
ASCENSION SCHOOL

PRAYER SHAWLS
LOVINGLY KNITTED
AND DISTRIBUTED

CUMULATIVE VISITS TO
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

archival records 800 wor ks of art ARCHIVAL RECORDS,
300 drawings and blue prin ts 300 DRAWINGS,
1700 PHOTOGRAPHS &
C A T A L O G U I N G1700photographs 800 WORKS OF ART

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Your generous gifts for Financial Stewardship provide crucial support, allowing us to
serve the widest possible community with the best possible expressions of God’s love
and grace.

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SERVED IN
EMPLOYMENT
MINISTRY, WITH

MOVED TO
WORK OR
SCHOOL

SANDWICHES SHARED WITH
NEIGHBORS IN NEED



 VOLUNTEERS
MENTORED

MCTC STUDENTS
WHO HAVE

 EXPERIENCED
HOMELESSNESS

FAMILIES RECEIVED HELP
TO KEEP HOUSING AND

PREVENT HOMELESSNESS

OF THOSE ARE
PARISHIONERS

RECEIVED GAS VOUCHERS
TO GET TO WORK, SCHOOL

AND APPOINTMENTS

RECEIVED VOUCHERS
FOR NEW WORK OR
SCHOOL SHOES

ATTENDED PATHWAYS
LIFE-SKILLS

MENTORING PROGRAMS

RECEIVED METRO TRANSIT
BUS CARDS TO COMMUTE

TO NEW EMPLOYMENT

ROSARIES
DISTRIBUTED

MONTHLY