Formed by God’s Grace

Seek the well-being of the city to which I have sent you. Pray for it to the Lord. For in seeking its well-being, you shall �nd your own. Jeremiah 29:7

2ND SUNDAY OF LENT

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

EUCHARIST

Saturday 5:00pm Sunday 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 4:30pm, 6:30pm Monday-Friday 7:00am and 12:00pm Saint Joseph Chapel

�e nursery is available during the Sunday 9:30am and 11:30am Masses for children through age 4.

Please use the ground level doors for handicap entrance. Wheelchairs are available upon request.

RECONCILIATION

Saturdays, 9:00-10:00am and by appointment.

BAPTISM & MARRIAGE

Please call the Parish O,ce.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK

AND HOMEBOUND

COMMUNION

Please call the Parish O,ce.

THE BASILICA

OF SAINT MARY

16th Street & Hennepin Avenue PO Box 50010 Minneapolis, MN 55405-0010 612.333.1381 mary.org @basilicampls

Many years ago when I was in my last year of college, I needed a half credit class to complete my requirements for graduation. Now at that time in my academic career I wasn’t looking for anything that would be especially challenging or that would require a lot of work. Having dropped out of college once, I just wanted to graduate. With this as my criterion, I scoured the various half credit classes that were o:ered, and ;nally found one I thought met my criterion to a “T”—Pottery. With low expectations, but with great hope that the class would allow me to graduate, I signed up for it. As it turned out taking that pottery class was not one of the best decisions I have ever made. I discovered I had even less artistic talent than I had thought. One of the major requirements of the class was that we had to make a variety of di:erent objects. Some of the objects had to be made by hand and some on the pottery wheel. And the objects actually had to be functional and/or decorative. �is proved to be somewhat problematic for me. �ere were, however, two saving graces in the class. �e ;rst was that the teacher o:ered to be available at various times to help those students for whom the word “remedial” was more than apt. �e other saving grace was that the art studio was open until 10:00pm so students could come in during the evening hours and work on their projects. I took advantage of both of these things. And ultimately, I was able to ful;ll at the requirements for the class, and to my amazement got a B in the class. �ere were a couple things I remember from this experience. �e ;rst is that even though something looks easy, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. �is taught me not to make assumptions, but to check things out thoroughly before jumping in with both feet. Now clearly I don’t always do this, but on more than one occasion it has helped me to avoid making a big mistake. �e other thing I learned is that when you’re trying to throw a pot on a pottery wheel, a slow and gentle touch is needed. If you try to go too fast, or if you use a

Column continues inside

Fr. John M. Bauer

Pastor �e Basilica of Saint Mary

2

heavy hand, the pot doesn’t respond well. �e best potters know that a slow and steady touch ultimately will produce the best pot. I suspect this is the reason that the prophet Isaiah referred to God as a Potter. “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64.8) In my own life, I have discovered time and again that God never forces God’s grace on me. Rather like a potter bringing a pot to life on a wheel, God—with a slow and steady touch—molds and shapes me with God’s grace. Now, certainly there are times when I am resistant to God’s grace, but at these times, God, like a master Potter, doesn’t force, but rather continues to gently form and shape me that I might become the person God would have me be. I am enormously grateful to God for God’s patience and gentle care with me. And I pray that I might strive to be like clay that is malleable and supple, so that I might respond to God’s gentle touch and be formed into the person God would have me be.

On Monday and Saturday mornings, �e Basilica welcomes all and opens its doors for the Shoe Ministry—one of the many ministries within the Christian Life Department. On these Shoe Ministry days, Basilica volunteers meet with guests and write vouchers for shoes or boots—but it’s about so very much more than shoes! Volunteers listen to the sacred stories our guests share and o:er to pray with them for whatever might be in their heart. Many of the guests are lonely, disenfranchised, and living on the margins in extreme poverty. Spending a few minutes with an encouraging, non-judgmental, friendly volunteer provides us the opportunity to create a “community of love” in Shoe Ministry. As the Christian Life department looks toward the future with a broad re-visioning process, we ask ourselves, “What will the Christian Life department be in the coming years?” It could mean adding, changing or discontinuing ministries. It could be a very di:erent department. But one thing is certain—a “community of love” will always be our foundation, as we welcome our guests as Christ did, with open hearts and compassion. We welcome and appreciate your prayers as we reach out to serve our brothers and sisters in our local community. SHARING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Pope Francis asks that we might always be living stones of the church. How can we be living stones of the Basilica of Saint Mary? One way is to give back to our parish community through our gifts of time and talent. Are you interested in volunteering at the Basilica but are not sure where to start ;nding out what opportunities are available? Contact our Gifts Leadership Team by sending an email to karla.edin@gmail.com and arrange a meeting to ;nd out more about how to become more involved with your parish community.

LOCAL STEWARDSHIP

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

11:00am Adult Learning 11:30am Children’s Liturgy of the Word 3:00pm Solemn Vespers for Lent

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22

9:30am SVdP Shoe Ministry

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23

9:15am Lenten Morning Prayer 9:30am SVdP Outreach Ministry 6:00pm Lector Practice* 6:30pm RCIA Session 7:00pm Mundus*

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24

9:00am Sandwich Ministry 9:30am SVdP Outreach Ministry 5:30pm Mental Health Committee 5:30pm Cherub Choir* 5:45pm Choristers Choir* 6:00pm JustFaith 7:00pm Basilica Cathedral Choir* 7:00pm Juventus* 6:30pm Gospel of Luke 7:00pm Children’s Learning

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25

7:00am Men’s Group Book Study 9:15am Lenten Morning Prayer 9:30am SVdP Outreach Ministry 11:30am Listening Ministry 6:00pm Mental Health Film Fest 6:00pm Pathways 6:00pm Employment Ministry 6:00pm Catholic Social Teaching 7:15pm Young Adult Bible Study

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26

8:00am Emmaus Leadership 5:30pm Lenten Friday Eucharist 6:00pm Soup Supper 7:00pm Stations of the Cross

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27

9:00am Confessions 9:00am Rock Solid Marriages 9:30am SVdP Shoe Ministry 5:00pm Mass of Anticipation 7:00pm AA Meeting *registration/audition required

THIS WEEK

Formed by God’s Grace

Continued from page 1

3

LITURGY

SOLEMN VESPERS FOR THE SEASON OF LENT

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 28, 3:00PM, THE BASILICA CHOIR STALLS

Led by �e Basilica Schola Cantorum.

LENTEN MORNING PRAYER

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS OF LENT, 9:15AM, CHOIR STALLS

FRIDAYS OF LENT

5:30pm Eucharist, Saint Joseph Chapel 6:00pm Soup Supper, Teresa of Calcutta Hall 7:00pm Scriptural Stations of the Cross, �e Basilica

EXPOSTION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 7:30AM-11:45AM, SAINT JOSEPH CHAPEL

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the 7:00am Mass. Exposition will conclude at 11:45am, just prior to the Noon Mass.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 12:30PM, THE BASILICA

After the Noon Mass, all are welcome to join in praying the traditional stations of the cross in �e Basilica.

24 HOURS FOR THE LORD

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, NOON, SAINT JOSEPH CHAPEL

Join in this worldwide celebration of the Lord’s mercy. Confessions will be o:ered for 24 hours straight beginning on Friday, Marcy 4 at Noon through Saturday, March 5 at Noon. For additional details, visit archspm.org/24hours.

SOLEMN VESPERS FOR PALM SUNDAY

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 3:00PM, BASILICA CHOIR STALLS

At 2:15pm, �e Basilica Schola Cantorum will perform a series of meditative pieces as we begin Holy Week. Vespers to follow immediately after the concert.

HOLY WEEK MORNING PRAYER

MONDAY THROUGH THURSDAY, MARCH 21-24, 9:15AM, THE BASILICA

CHOIR STALLS

HOLY WEEK TAIZÉ PRAYER WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL

CONFESSIONS

TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 5:30PM, TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL

EASTER MEMORIAL DECORATIONS

Help us beautify �e Basilica this Easter. Please consider a special gift for Easter Oowers in honor or in memory of someone special in your life. You may give online at mary.org/donate. Memorials received by March 8 will be listed in the Easter worship leaOet.

MISSA CHORALIS

VISITING ENSEMBLES

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 5:00PM

Gethsemane Episcopal Church Choir will be the visiting ensemble.

MINNESOTA SINFONIA

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1:30PM,

THE BASILICA

Featuring Itamar Zorman, violin

Minnesota Sinfonia Concerts are free and open to all. Families are encouraged to attend. For more information, visit mnsinfonia.org. Please note new start time for this concert.

LIGHT IN DEEPEST NIGHT: A

LENTEN MEDITATION BASED

ON THE WRITINGS OF JULIAN

OF NORWICH

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2:15PM,

THE BASILICA CHOIR STALLS

�e Schola Cantorum of �e Basilica of Saint Mary presents: Light in the Deepest Night for SATB voices with organ and string quartet.�e 2:15pm performance will be followed by Vespers in the Choir Stalls.

UPCOMING

EVENTS

ICON WRITING CLASSES

SATURDAYS, FEBRUARY 20, 27,

MARCH 5, 12, 9:00AM-1:00PM

THE BASILICA’S GROUND LEVEL,

SAINTS AMBROSE-TERESA ROOM

Participants will write an Icon of �e Divine Mercy. Tuition is $295 for ;rst time participants; this includes all materials. Call Deb at 612.889.5868 to register.

MUSIC

ATONEMENT: WORKS BY MARK ROBERTS AND JAMES

QUENTIN YOUNG

ART EXHIBIT THROUGH MARCH 28

LITURGICAL CELEBRATIONS

4444

GRACEFUL JOURNEY

Elephants and more elephants! Well actually, just the proverbial “Elephants in the room…” Sometimes those elephants creep in when we are thinking about end of life issues in our own life, or issues involving a loved one. What decisions might need to be made? How will I want to be cared for? How would my mom like to be celebrated? And how do we begin these discussions with our loved ones? Join us at �e Basilica this Spring. Learn and practice how to start having these discussions with the people you love. �ere is a way to know and share our preferences before there is a medical crisis, it can lessen the anxiety and conOict. It can diminish our fears and the fears with in families. Questions call or contact Cathy 612.317.3474 or cewards@mary.org.

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT

TELLING OUR STORIES

We are looking for people interested in working on a video project that will help parishioners tell their individual and inspirational Basilica stories. Project managers, videographers, interviewers, designers, editors and others are needed. If interested, please contact Janice Andersen at 612.317.3477 or jandersen@mary.org.

PATHWAYS

Did you know that every �ursday evening from 6:00-8:15pm, a team of dedicated volunteers hosts “Pathways,” our faith-based series of life-skills classes? Stop by anytime. Location is room LL7 in �e Basilica school. All are welcome and no registration required. Questions? Contact Julia at 612.317.3413.

CROSSROADS IS EXPANDING

AND RENEWING

Crossroads would like to invite ALL adults who are looking to have fun and get involved to join us. Together we can learn from each other and share social, creative, cultural and social activities. Activities include book club, hosted lunches and dinners, visits to museums and theatre events, service projects—on and o: campus—pot lucks and catered events. Help us expand its reach and meet the needs of all adults. Call �e Basilica at 612.317.3474, or Geri at 612.710.4635, or Karl at 763.427.7891.

CROSSROADS BOOK CLUB

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH,

10:00AM

COWLEY CENTER, WAGNER

ROOM

For information call Karen at 612.872.7535. • March 3: How it all Began by Penelope Lively

• April 7: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

• May 5: "Wake Robin" by John Burroughs

CHRISTIAN LIFE

GET INVOLVED

MENTAL HEALTH FILM FESTIVAL

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, DOORS OPEN AT 6:00PM, FILM AT 6:30PM

THE BASILICA’S GROUND LEVEL, SAINTS AMBROSE & TERESA ROOM

�e ;nal ;lm in the 2016 series is �e Soloist. Robert Downey Jr., and Jamie Foxx star in the true story of a LA Times news reporter and the gifted cellist he befriends who is homeless and su:ering from mental illness. Refreshments and discussion provided at no charge. For more information, contact Janet at jgrove@mary.org.

GEAR UP FOR HOUSING

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 6:30-8:00PM

PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

1900 NICOLLET AVE S, MINNEAPOLIS

Join people of many faiths to learn about advocacy e:orts at the Capitol to end homelessness. Come hear what our faiths have to say about speaking for the most vulnerable. • Hear the insights of spiritual leaders for our congregation • Meet people of many faith backgrounds and engage in conversation about taking action

• Learn about the 2016 legislative ask for housing and homelessness • Discover what has been achieved for housing and what is still needed • Free parking and snacks provided

LINKED IN LUCKY WITH CATHERINE BYERS BREET

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 6:00-8:00PM

THE BASILICA’S LOWER LEVEL, TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL

Presented by �e Basilica’s Employment Ministry, Linked In Lucky is great for sales, business leaders, and job seekers.

MN COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS DAY ON THE HILL

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 9:00AM-3:00PM—MN STATE CAPITOL

Homeless Day on the Hill is coming soon! Join hundreds of Minnesotans for a great day of advocacy. Free registration. Contact 612.317.3477 for more information. �e day will include: • Welcome and advocacy training • Meeting with legislators and/or sta: • Committee hearings and action opportunities to support housing, economic security, and voting rights

5

THE COMPASSION OF GOD:

SUFFERING AND MERCY

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 11:00AM-

12:30PM , COWLEY CENTER,

WAGNER ROOM

Led by Kim Vrudny, Ph.D. During Lent, we will turn our attention to the compassion of God, exploring the Catholic tradition’s thinking about the nature of God as entirely just and merciful, opening the way for a conversation about human su:ering and reconciling a world where moral evils persists with the being of a God who is good and powerful. �e fee for this program is $15. Scholarships available. Please register at mary.org.

FORGIVENESS, JUSTICE AND

MERCY

SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 28, MARCH

6 AND 13, 11:00AM-12:30PM

COWLEY CENTER, WAGNER

ROOM

Led by Amy Levad, Ph.D., this series will explore a case of Christian forgiveness following a school shooting in Nickel Pines, PA. Based on this case study we will consider how forgiveness, justice and mercy can work together and how Reconciliation exempli;es the connections between these virtues for Christians. �e fee for this program is $20. Scholarships available. Register by February 25.

THE BEATITUDES: JESUS’

COMMANDMENTS OF MERCY

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 8:30AM-

NOON

THE BASILICA’S LOWER LEVEL,

TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL

Join us for our annual Parish Lenten Retreat! Sr. Catherine Michaud, Ph.D., will lead us as we reOect on the desire for happiness that God has placed in every human heart. If we could have witnessed Jesus’ life and message, might we have concluded that the powerful secret of his mission is in my works of mercy? �ere is no cost to attend. Please register by March 3.

STUDY AND REFLECTION

LEARNING

BASILICA YOUNG ADULTS

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

THURSDAYS, 7:15-8:45PM

THE BASILICA GROUND LEVEL

SAINT JOSEPH CHAPEL

�e perfect Bible Study for a busy lifestyle— no preparation needed, come when you can. Bring your Bible and join us for a light-hearted, meaningful study of the Sunday readings. Registration is not needed and no cost to attend. BYA CATHOLICISM SERIES

SELECTED SUNDAYS, 5:45-

7:15PM

THE BASILICA GROUND LEVEL

STS. AMBROSE/TERESA ROOM

February 21: Mary, �e Mother of God Registration is not needed. Free will donations will be gratefully accepted at each event. A light meal will be served. See mary.org for the full schedule of dates and topics.

BYA

FAMILIES WITH

CHILDREN

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE

WORD

DURING THE 11:30AM MASS

Children’s Liturgy of the Word allows children to attend Mass with their family and then participate in a kid-focused liturgy during the Liturgy of the Word. We encourage the children to sing, pray, and discuss the readings for that Sunday hoping to give them a morsel to chew on for the rest of their week. CLW will be o�ered during the Lent and Easter seasons. CHILDREN’S MASS BAGS

We now have Mass bags for parents with small children available in the back of church. Please feel free to use them during Mass as needed, but please return them prior to leaving �e Basilica .

MARRIAGE

ENRICHMENT

ROCK SOLID MARRIAGE

LENTEN SERIES

SATURDAYS, THROUGH MARCH

19, 9:00-10:00AM

REARDON RECTORY

Young married couples are invited to join us as we focus on what God’s Word says about our faith and marriage relationships. Please see mary.org for more details and to register. Nursery care available.

RCIA PRAYER BASKETS

�roughout Lent, you will see baskets in church with the names of those who are preparing to be received into the Catholic church at the Easter Vigil. Please feel free to take a card and commit to praying for this person during Lent. You may write a note to the person that you are praying for and drop it into the collection basket with the person’s name and RCIA noted. �ank you for helping us to warmly welcome our RCIA group into the parish community.

6

DEVELOPMENT

SAVE THE DATE

THE BASILICA LANDMARK

BALL PRESENTS VELANTIUM

SATURDAY, MAY 21

ARIA MINNEAPOLIS

Join us for an exciting night supporting the restoration and preservation of our shelter for heart, soul, and spirit. Stay tuned to thebasilicalandmark.org for event details. Interested in sponsoring the event? Contact Meghan Gustafson at 612.317.3428 or mgustafson@mary.org. BEAUTIFY THE BASILICA THIS

EASTER

Each Easter, �e Basilica abounds with Easter lilies, symbol of the resurrection, and all colorful spring Oowers. Please consider a gift for Easter Oowers at �e Basilica this year so our beloved Basilica looks her very best. Gifts in honor or in memory of a loved one received by Tuesday, March 15 will be acknowledged in the Easter worship leaOet. Donations can be made online at mary.org/donate.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE

2016 CITIES 97 BASILICA

BLOCK PARTY

FRIDAY, JULY 8 AND SATURDAY,

JULY 9, THE BASILICA CAMPUS

Mark your calendars for the 22nd Cities 97 Basilica Block Party on the grounds of the historic Basilica of Saint Mary. Join us for a great weekend of fun and music bene;ting the restoration e:orts of �e Basilica Landmark and Saint Vincent de Paul. Stay tuned and visit basilicablockparty.org for more information and exciting announcements.

COMING UP

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP 2016—CREATING A GREATER GOOD

�ank you to all who have made a 2016 Pledge. If you have yet to make a pledge this year, there is still time to make a signi;cant impact. We have raised 96% of our $2.3 million pledge goal for 2016. With your pledge, we can raise the )nal $90,000 needed to reach our goal! Just this past year with your support, the Eucharist was brought 1,136 times to those who are unable to leave their homes or places of care; 558 clients were served by our employment ministry; 263 children and youth were taught by our dedicated catechists and so much more. But none of this good work is possible without your support.�Please pledge online at mary.org/donate. For answers to any questions you may have about supporting �e Basilica, contact Tim at tdecelle@mary.org or 612.317.3472.

RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND

In the U.S. today, more than 34,000 Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests past age 70 bene;t from the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR). Your RFR donations provide ;nancial, educational, and consultative support that helps religious communities care for senior members and plan for long-term retirement needs. Fr. Joe Gillespie, a member of the Domincan order, will join us at all masses on February 21 and 22 share how your support helps those who have devoted their lives to helping us. We will also have a second collection for the Religious Retirement Fund. Learn more at retiredreligious.org.

PERSPECTIVE AND EMPATHY

When we understand the perspective of the recipient, whether it’s a person or an organization like The Basilica Landmark, it’s easier to make a gift. Knowing what is needed and how the funds are used adds clarity to our generosity. If you understand the perspective of the Landmark’s mission to preserve and restore our historic church and its campus, please consider a legacy gift through your Will, Trust, IRA, 401 K or insurance policy. For more information, contact Kristian at 612.317.3421 or kmauel@mary.org.

BASILICA BUCKS SHOPPING AND GIFT CARDS

Shop with Basilica Bucks shopping and gift cards at your favorite stores. We carry cards for Target, Walmart, Cub Foods and many more. �e Basilica receives 1%-20% of the purchase price back from the retailer. Cards can be purchased in Basilica’s Lower Level after 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30am Sunday Masses, online or at the Parish Rectory on weekdays between 8:30am and 4:00pm.

THE BASILICA LANDMARK ANNUAL FUND

�e Basilica Landmark is working to make great improvements on our campus, addressing growing needs, working to steward our buildings and ensuring �e Basilica's service to the community will continue. When you give today, your generosity will help fund this year’s critical projects—a new church roof, and re-pointing the stone work on �e Basilica’s beautiful exterior—two important tasks whose time is overdue. For all new donors to �e Basilica Landmark Annual Fund, a generous donor will donate $100 towards your gift. No minimum gift required. Please visit thebasilicalandmark.org for more information or to donate. Questions? Contact Emily at 612.317.3455 or ehjelm@mary.org. �ank you for your support.