OUR VISION: 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 find your own. — Jeremiah 29:7

Welcome If there were an easy way to promote peace throughout the world, would you do it? If there was a

simple project to leave the world a better place for future generations, would you participate?

The Basilica will provide such

an easy opportunity throughout the weekend of

January 12-13, 2013. At all

Masses on January 12 and 13, there will be simple bins

available for you to recycle all

your old personal electronic

devices. If you hope to get a

new cell phone, digital camera, or iPod this Christmas, put this

date on your calendar!

If it seems like a stretch to

think that recycling your old electronic devices can promote

peace throughout the world,

consider that one of the metals used to enable your cell phone

to run efficiently has been

fueling civil war in the Congo for over a decade. Coltan, the

African term for the metallic

ore columbite-tantalite, has incredible value due to

consumer electronic demand.

While Coltan is found in several countries including

Australia, Canada, and Egypt,

the largest supply is coming from the Congo. Mining of this

metal in the Congo is

stimulating civil war and

incredible destruction.

There have been significant

efforts made by some tech companies to trace the source

of metals used in their devices.

However, many other tech companies continue to

purchase these minerals from

mining companies fueled by

violence.

According to CTIA (The

Wireless Association), the United States has more cell

phones in use in 2012 than

total population. Americans also change phones more often

than anyone else in the world—

upgrading about every 21 months to a new phone. As a

result, Americans discard 130

million cell phones every year, with many ending up in

landfills or incinerators. In

2011, only eight percent of cell phones were recycled safely,

according to the

Environmental News Service.

It is staggering to consider that toxic pollution from consumer

electronics happens on both

ends of its life: in the mining for

metals needed to create the

device, as well as from haphazard disposal of the

device.

It is estimated that there are

over 100 million cell phones stockpiled in U.S. households.

The good news is that people

are holding onto these devices rather than throwing them into

landfills. If you are one of these

100 million people with personal electronic devices at

home, here is your chance to

get rid of them safely and effectively!

Throughout the weekend of

January 12 and 13 2012, The

Basilica will have clearly marked bins for you to bring

your discarded devices for

recycling.

Here is what we can accept:

• Cell phones (keep your

chargers, they are not recyclable)

• iPods

• MP3 players

• Digital cameras

• GPS devices

• Tablets

• Ink cartridges

If you receive any new personal

electronics this Christmas,

consider recycling your old devices at The Basilica in

January. This is a win-win-win

activity. Recycling will allow the materials to be turned into

new products, removing the

need to mine and manufacture anew—reducing the cycle of

violence and destruction.

Participating in this recycling effort will keep toxins out of

our landfills. And, The Basilica

will receive payment for all devices presented for recycling

from the company we are

partnering with! Re-gift your old personal electronics to The

Basilica! For more information

or to get involved with this effort, call the Christian Life

office.

“If you receive any new personal electronics this Christmas, consider recycling your old devices at The Basilica in January.”

Janice Andersen

Director of Christian Life The Basilica of Saint Mary

Connect with us! www.mary.org

The Basilica of Saint Mary

@BasilicaMpls

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 2, 2012 WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Biblical stewardship Liturgy and sacred arts

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CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS Please help us beautify The Basilica this Christmas. Envelopes for Christmas flower donations are available in the church or you can give online at www.mary.org/donate. All gifts received by December 10 will be acknowledged in the Christmas worship leaflet.

OF THE FATHER’S LOVE BEGOTTEN CRÈCHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD EXHIBIT, RUNNING NOW—JANUARY 13 JOHN XXIII GALLERY & TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL, LOWER LEVEL

ADVENT MORNING PRAYER TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, 9:15AM DURING ADVENT SAINT JOSEPH CHAPEL, GROUND LEVEL

SOLEMN VESPERS FOR ADVENT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 3:00PM, BASILICA CHOIR STALLS The Basilica Schola Cantorum Evening Prayer or Vespers (30 minutes) consist of the singing of a hymn and Psalms, the proclamation of the Word of God and prayers for the church and the world. At the end of Evening Prayer everyone processes from the choir stalls to the Chapel of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception for the singing of the Marian antiphon.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL—MARVEL OF THIS NIGHT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4:30PM AND 8:00PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 8:00PM

NATIONAL LUTHERAN CHOIR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 4:30PM AND 8:00PM TICKETS: CALL 6.12.722.2301 OR WWW.NLCA.COM. SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 10:30AM BASILICA (Cantor, Organ)

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 4:30PM, BASILICA In anticipation of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe we will celebrate with Mariachi Flor y Canto, the Banderas and traditional Aztec dancers with a bi-lingual Eucharist. Procession and dance begins on the plaza at 3:45pm. A fiesta will follow Mass in the Teresa of Calcutta Hall, located in The Basilica’s lower level.

TAIZÉ WITH OPPORTUNITY FOR INDIVIDUAL PRAYER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 5:30PM TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL, LOWER LEVEL

GLOBAL: Promote peace

throughout the world (Dec – Jan)

LOCAL: Create bridges between

communities and advocate for those in

need (Feb – Mar)

ECOLOGICAL: Leave the world a

better place for future generations

(Apr – May)

PERSONAL: Care for ourselves in

body, mind and spirit (June – July)

GIFTS: Share our knowledge,

talent, love, and experience to serve others

(Aug – Sept)

FINANCIAL: Give generously and

joyfully (Oct – Nov)

We celebrate stewardship throughout the year by emphasizing six

key themes. Each aspect of stewardship is represented through The

Basilica ministries, guiding us to make it part of our daily life.

GLOBAL STEWARDSHIP

An Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture Development Promoting equality and our social mortgage on

property

Minnesota, and the greater Midwest, has had a strong history of

agriculture and its effect on our local economies. Around the world, agriculture means a great deal to the livelihoods of

particularly rural villagers. In developing countries, agriculture

comprises a significant portion of the economy as a result of lacking other sectors. Yet, rural farmers continue to struggle in

oppressive economies and in providing a living beyond

subsistence farming.

When we recognize the potential farmers have in developing

local economies and beyond, their stake and participation in society grows. People rely on food to survive, and providing

support for the agriculture sector strengthens other areas of the

economy. It also strengthens the dignity of those providing food.

Our Catholic Social Teaching speaks of a “social mortgage” on property, a concept that calls for responsible stewardship for

the sake of the larger good of society and creation (usccb.org).

Farmers and their property—land—must be cared for properly. While we can develop the agriculture sector, it should also be

sustainable so it may continue to provide.

With our planet surpassing seven billion people, not only

should we consider humanity’s survival, but also the future of

the land used to achieve this. We, as Catholics, have a moral sensitivity to treating the weakest participants with dignity. We

also recognize the immorality of destroying God’s gifts, such as

the land God created and provided. Harmonizing these two ideas to develop a significant economic sector sustainably

promotes peace in countries experiencing conflict.

Events of the week

ADVENT SERIES: O COME, EMMANUEL! SUNDAYS, DECEMBER 2, 9 AND 16, 11:00AM-12:30PM STS. AMBROSE/TERESA ROOM, GROUND LEVEL Led by Johan van Parys, this three part series will discuss what Advent, Christmas and Epiphany are all about. Please register on MyBasilica at www.mary.org. Cost is $20 for the series, scholarships are available.

JOIN US FOR AN ADVENT BLESSING OF THE EMPLOYMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH MINISTRIES TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 5:30–9:00PM SAINT JOSEPH CHAPEL AND TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL Join us as we pray and dine together followed by a presentation. Learn from each other how to get through this challenging holiday season.

THEOLOGY DAY — THE BOOK OF REVELATION: FACT OR FICTION? THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 6:00-9:00PM TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL Fr. Michael Patella will present on this topic. Please register on www.mary.org on MyBasilica or by calling 612.317.3414. Presented by St. John’s School of Theology—Seminary. Donations will be accepted. A light meal will be served.

SANTA BASH-FRIDAY!! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 8:00PM, VFW POST 246, 2916 LYNDALE AVE S, MPLS One night in December, when the elves are changing shifts and Mrs. Claus is upstairs, Santa strolls out of his workshop, parks the sleigh and ditches the reindeer by slipping out the kitchen door. Where does he go? To a place where he can find peace amidst a curiously satisfying assemblage of ugly holiday sweaters and tacky décor. Tickets are $20 and are available online at www.mary.org .Must be 21+ to enter. For more info or contact Meghan at 612.317.3428 or mgustafson@mary.org.

LA NATIVIDAD FEATURING IN THE HEART OF THE BEAST THEATRE SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2:00PM, CHURCH Join us during the holidays for The Nativity Story according to St. Matthew and St. Luke. This alternative holiday show includes the expressive puppetry of In The Heart of the Beast Theatre and procession. Much more than a straightforward enactment of the Christmas story, La Natividad unites evocative theater with an open-armed community celebration of inclusion and generosity. For more information and tickets visit the registration page at www.mary.org or contact Meghan at mgustafson@mary.org or 612.317.3428.

BYA COUPLES’ EVENT: HOLIDAZZLE PARADE AND DINNER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 6:00-9:00PM NICOLLET MALL Plan to meet up after the 5:00pm Mass at The Basilica. Email bya@mary.org for details.

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Get involved

HELP WANTED! PERSONAL STEWARDSHIP TEAM RECRUITS The gift of our lives demands we care for ourselves in body, mind and spirit. Help us promote healthy practices. Are you interested in relationship building, exercise, nutrition, and spirituality? Contact Nancy at nancychrist@comcast.net or 612.501.7872 for more information.

HATE TO COOK? To help us deliver Meals on Wheels, and you’ll only need to drive and deliver - no cooking required! We need volunteers to deliver lunches one Tuesday each month. We also need substitutes we can call when needed. To learn more contact Leah at 612.374.4757 or lhstich@msn.com or Brittany at 612.532.1023 or bgarcia1210@yahoo.com.

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET INVOLVED? Are you computer literate, highly organized, and have data entry experience? There is a volunteer opportunity for you in the Christian Life Department with St. Vincent DePaul Outreach. Call Kimberly at 612.317.3419 or kburns@mary.org.

VOLUNTEER AT THE WELCOME DESK Can you commit to a 30-minute shift once a month following one of the Masses? Contact Sally 612.317.3417.

SOPRANOS NEEDED IN THE BASILICA CATHEDRAL CHOIR If you are interested, contact Teri at 612.317.3426 or tlarson@mary.org to set up an audition.

DO YOUR PART Do you like to clean, iron, polish or organize? The altar guild cares for the many vestments, vessels, and chapels/shrines of The Basilica and needs your help. Contact Travis at tsalisbury@mary.org.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE — JOIN A TEAM! Ministers of Hospitality (ushers/greeters) are essential in supporting The Basilica’s mission of hospitality to the city. Volunteers serve once a month at their preferred Mass time. Contact Travis at tsalisbury@mary.org or 612.317.3433 for more information or to sign up.

DO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY There is significant need for more Eucharistic Ministers at all Mass times on the weekend. The time commitment is once a month at your preferred Mass time. Training is required and provided. Contact Travis at 612.317.3433 or tsalisbury@mary.org for more details.

GET THE BEST SEAT AT MASS Acolytes (altar servers) share in an amazing ministry and want to welcome you to one of our teams. The time commitment is once a month at your preferred Mass time. Training is provided. Contact Travis at tsalisbury@mary.org for more information.

Check out all of our opportunities for volunteering at www.mary.org. Click on “Volunteer.”

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Learning Please note

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YOU BECOME PART OF THE BASILICA...AND IT BECOMES PART OF YOU In this season of thanks, many of us are grateful to have The Basilica as our spiritual home. Your contribution is truly life-giving to our community and gives witness to your grateful spirit and deep faith. Please prayerfully consider a pledged Financial Stewardship commitment to The Basilica for 2013. If you haven’t yet made a pledge, please take a form from the back of church and mail it in. You can also pledge online at www.mary.org/donate, or contact Tim at tdecelle@mary.org or 612.317.3472. Thank you for keeping The Basilica shining brightly!

ARE YOU A CARETAKER? A parishioner wrote about his visits to holy sites around the world, from Saint Peter’s in Rome to temples in China and Japan, commenting, “I’m always struck by the beauty of these places and the dedication of those who care for them. I take pride that I’m one of those caretakers of The Basilica through my legacy gift to The Basilica Landmark for the preservation and restoration of our historic church.” We have our own landmark right here, just as lovely and important as others throughout the world. Please consider becoming a caretaker of The Basilica with your own legacy gift. Contact Robin at 612.317.3429 or rkeyworth@mary.org.

A GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS The majesty of The Basilica at Christmas is truly a sight to behold. Thousands of parish members and guests enjoy the evergreens, poinsettias and other festive holiday flowers. Please consider a gift for Christmas flowers. Tribute gifts received by December 11 are listed in the Christmas leaflet. You can give online at www.mary.org/donate.

FAIR TRADE MARKET SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM BASILICA’S LOWER LEVEL Sustainable agriculture, the Global Stewardship group’s 2012 theme, shares links to Fair Trade concerns. It is generally estimated that 40 percent of the world’s population are small farmers. In developing countries, workers’ average income is one to two dollars per day. When farmers learn best practices for sustainable use of resources, they not only stretch their dollar, they manage resources with a view toward tomorrow. The advantages are long-reaching and considerate of future generations, too. Our fourth annual Fair Trade Market features unique art and gifts for your family, friends and co-workers. Make a difference in the lives of artists worldwide. Fair Trade products from 10,000 villages, Guatemalan, Zambian and Nepalese handcrafts, and Palestinian olive oil will be available. It is a perfect time to Christmas shop. We hope to see you there!

BAPTISM PREPARATION If you are expecting a baby or are in the process of adopting a child, consider attending one of the monthly baptism preparation classes now. Baptism preparation classes encourage parents to consider their faith, discuss how to pass on our faith to our children, and share what to expect on baptism day. Contact Michelle at 612.317.3414 or mslaughter@mary.org for registration materials.

REMARRIAGE/BLENDED FAMILY SEMINAR TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 6:30-9:00PM, RECTORY DINING ROOM This important seminar is for couples who are in a remarriage or are considering a remarriage, and one or both have been married before and/or have children. This workshop will discuss some of the unique and important issues in a remarriage/blended family. Register on www.mary.org or call 612.317.3478 for more information. Cost is $50/couple.

THE YEAR OF FAITH 2013: CLAIMING THE TREASURES OF VATICAN II SUNDAYS, JANUARY 13-FEBRUARY 3, 11:00AM-12:30PM STS. SMBROSE AND TERESA ROOM, GROUND LEVEL Sr. Catherine Michaud, CSJ will lead us on a treasure hunt through the key documents promulgated during the Second Vatican Council during this four part series. Please register on www.mary.org or by calling 612.317.3414. Cost is $20 for the series. Scholarships are available.

THEOLOGY DAY — CHRISTIAN MYSTICISM: THE TRANSFORMING JOURNEY TO GOD THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 6:00-9:00PM TERESA OF CALCUTTA HALL S. Mary Foreman, OSB will present on this topic. Please register on www.mary.org on MyBasilica or by calling 612.317.3414. Presented by St. John’s School of Theology—Seminary. Donations will be accepted. A light meal will be served.

IF WE KNEW YOU WERE COMING … We ask that people register for many of the spiritual and educational offerings here at The Basilica. Registering in advance is crucial to planning. If registrations are low, we will need to cancel the event.

BASILICA YOUNG ADULT (BYA) EVENTS:

BASIILICA YOUNG WOMEN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 3:45PM We will meet on the plaza steps to attend the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass followed by the Fair Trade Market in the Lower Level of the Church. Email bya@mary.org for more details.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND VISITING WITH NURSING HOME RESIDENTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1:00-3:00PM BENEDICTINE HEALTH CENTER, 618 E 17TH ST, MINNEAPOLIS Join us and spread some holiday cheer! Email bya@mary.org to sign up. Hope to see you there.

Sign up for the BYA E-Newsletter on MyBasilica on www.mary.org or visit the Basilica Young Adults Facebook page to learn about all

WINTER WEAR NEEDED Guests to our St. Vincent de Paul Outreach and Shoe ministry are always in need this time of year of hats, gloves, mittens, and scares. And, guests always are in need of toiletries. Donating is easy - just drop items in the blue bin just outside of the elevator on the lower level. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need!

CHRISTMAS SERVICE PROJECT Join The Basilica and serve lunch to our neighbors in need on Christmas Day. Location is Catholic Charities Opportunity Center at 17th and Chicago in Minneapolis. Contact Julia at jfreeman@mary.org or 612.317.3413 to volunteer.

BASILICA PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY “The prayer shawl that you gave to me was and continues to be a great comfort. It also keeps me very warm!” Create beautiful, prayer filled shawls of comfort. Join Prayer Shawl Ministry. Call Jane at 763.479.1555.

Christian life Did You Know?

494 people were served through employment ministry in the last year, with 120 moving on to

school or work.

CROSSROADS EVENTS OPEN TO BASILICA PARISHIONERS AND FRIENDS, AGES 50+

THURSDAY MORNING BOOK CLUB FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, 10:00AM, COWLEY CENTER For more information call Karen at 612.872.7535. The December 6 book selection is Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum. The January 3 meeting will select upcoming books.

DINNER OUTING THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 6:00PM Doolittle’s Woodfire Grill, 550 Winnetka Ave. N, Golden Valley For reservations call Marilyn by January 20 at 763.541.9393.

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CONTACT US P. O. Box 50010 Minneapolis MN 55405-0010 612.333.1381 www.mary.org

MASS TIMES MON-FRI: 7:00am & noon (ST. JOSEPH CHAPEL) SAT: 5:00pm (THE BASILICA)

SUN: 7:30am, 9:30am, 11:30am, 4:30pm & 6:30pm (THE BASILICA)

RECTORY HOURS MON: 8:30am to 5:00pm

TUE–FRI: 8:30am to 8:00pm SAT: 8:00am to 7:00pm

SUN: 7:00am to 8:00pm

PARKING Visit www.mary.org/parking for complete parking info and driving directions.

The Basilica of Saint Mary is a community rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As the Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, it is our mandate to model, to inspire and to: provide excellence in liturgy, faith formation, pastoral care and hospitality; preach justice and provide emergency relief to the poor; pursue interfaith relationships; and to contribute to the celebration of the sacred arts in this community. The parish is marked by hospitality and rich diversity.

PRAYER LINE MINISTRY Busy? Homebound? Traveling? Basilica Prayer Line Ministry is calling you! Prayer Line Ministry is a chance to offer the power of prayer, on your schedule, during your personal time of prayer. Prayer intention lists are e-mailed or direct mailed weekly. Your prayer helps support souls who are suffering illness, loss, sorrow, isolation or uncertainty. Contact Cathy at cedwards@mary.org or 612.317.3474 to receive a weekly list.

LISTENING AS MINISTRY FEBRUARY 2013 Are you drawn be a listening ear to your friends and family? Do the words ‘companion’ or ‘confidant’ describe you and your gifts? Consider participating in our Befriender Ministry. Explore a call to the BeFriender Ministry by participating in the 20 hour training. The Basilica BeFriender Ministry strengthens our community by reaching out to one another through sacred listening. Listeners hear, affirm, and welcome the story of another. Contact the Christian Life office for more information.

EACH OF US HAS SPECIAL GIFTS – BUT HOW DO WE MATCH THEM TO SERVICE? The Gifts Leadership Team addresses this question by planning communications and reaching out to individual parish members. We are looking for a few people to join us. Do you feel called to this work? Meetings are monthly and we have a lot of fun. Monthly commitment is 3-5 hours. Contact Sally at 612.317.3417 or scarlson@mary.org for more information.

SCRIP GIFT CARDS = IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS The holiday season is here! Use Scrip gift cards for all your

purchases. Are you entertaining, doing a cookie exchange or

baking for the holidays? Use Scrip cards to do your grocery shopping. Scrip cards also make ideal gifts, with no fuss

wrapping or standing in lines to mail out your packages. We

also have an assortment of gift card holders for just $1.00 each.

The deadline to place special Scrip card orders in time

for Christmas is Monday, December 17, by noon. Special

orders will be available for pick up at the Reardon Rec-

tory on Friday, December 21 or Sunday, December 23

after the Masses. Scrip gift cards are available online; Sundays after 7:30am, 9:30am, and 11:30am Masses; and Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm in the Reardon Rectory Office.