About The Basilica of Saint Mary · Minneapolis, Minnesota
The Basilica of Saint Mary is a Catholic minor basilica and co-cathedral in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, located on Hennepin Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets near Loring Park. Commissioned by Archbishop John Ireland and designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray in the Beaux-Arts style, it was constructed between 1907 and 1914 as a Pro-Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. On February 1, 1926, Pope Pius XI raised the church to the rank of minor basilica, making it the first basilica designated in the United States. Today it functions as a co-cathedral, a busy parish, a center for arts and liturgy, and a refuge for the poor, serving a diverse community in the heart of Minneapolis.
- Established
- 1907
- Patron
- The Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Fr. Daniel Griffith (departing) / Fr. Harry Tasto (listed as Guest Celebrant / currently listed on staff page); parish is in rector transition as of 2026
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Why belong here
The Basilica of Saint Mary offers the rare combination of a 1,600-seat historic landmark, an active downtown parish rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a downtown center for the arts and outreach. Members worship in a sanctuary that has been called "a marble poem" and "a Madonna prayer uttered in stone," with programs ranging from OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) and faith formation for children and youth to Young Adult ministry, the Basilica Young Adults group, and a vibrant music program anchored by organ, cantors, a contemporary ensemble, and a classical guitar summer soloist. A robust St. Vincent de Paul charitable network — including mentoring through Hennepin Connections, refugee/immigrant support, criminal justice ministry, and emergency relief — means members can put faith into action in downtown Minneapolis.
Mass times at The Basilica of Saint Mary
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 9:00am-10:00am in the Saint Joseph Chapel (ground level)
Adoration times
- First Fridays Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus followed by an hour of Eucharistic adoration in the Saint Joseph Chapel, following Noon Mass
America's First Basilica — Overview & Identity
The Basilica of Saint Mary, located on Hennepin Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets in downtown Minneapolis, was the first church in the United States to be designated a minor basilica by the Pope, on February 1, 1926. It functions as a co-cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The parish describes itself as "more than a local parish. More than an impressive building downtown. It is a gathering place for people of all faiths and races, a center for the arts, and a refuge for the poor." The Basilica Centennial is being observed throughout 2026 to mark 100 years since the 1926 honor conferred by Pope Pius XI "by reason of the piety of its worshippers as well as by the splendor of its ritual and the richness of its adornment."
- First basilica in the United States (1926)
- Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
- Centennial celebrations throughout 2026
History of the Basilica
Predecessor parish: Immaculate Conception, founded 1868 at Third Street and Third Avenue North, in the modest "Shed Church" behind a Catholic school. Under Archbishop John Ireland, plans for a new Pro-Cathedral were announced on Christmas Day 1903. Architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray was chosen in 1904 to design both this Pro-Cathedral and the new Cathedral of Saint Paul. Lawrence S. Donaldson of the Donaldson department-store family donated the Hennepin Avenue land in 1905. Construction proceeded 1907-1914 with the cornerstone laid May 31, 1908 in a procession of 30,000 citizens. The first Mass was celebrated May 31, 1914, and the Pro-Cathedral was dedicated August 15, 1915, on the Feast of the Assumption. On February 1, 1926, Pope Pius XI raised the church to the rank of minor basilica, and on June 27, 1941, it was solemnly consecrated during the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress. The 1975 National Register of Historic Places listing cited its architecture, its significance as an expression of Baroque influence, its role in Minnesota's religious history, and its standing as America's first basilica. A 2026 restoration of the upper nave (about $45 million) is currently in progress.
- 1868 — Immaculate Conception parish founded; first Catholic church west of the Mississippi in Minneapolis
- 1903 — Archbishop Ireland announces new Pro-Cathedral
- 1905 — Land on Hennepin Avenue donated by Lawrence S. Donaldson
- 1907 — Construction begins
- 1908 — Cornerstone laid (May 31)
- 1914 — First Mass (May 31)
- 1915 — Pro-Cathedral dedicated at the Feast of the Assumption (August 15)
- 1922-1925 — Interior completed with marble, sculpture, stained glass, organ
- 1926 — Designated first minor basilica in the United States (February 1)
- 1941 — Solemn Consecration during the National Eucharistic Congress (June 27)
- 1966 — Becomes Co-Cathedral when the Archdiocese is renamed
- 1975 — Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (March 26)
- 1986 — Locally designated by the City of Minneapolis
- 1991-1992 — Copper dome and roof replaced
- 2011 — $100,000 Partners in Preservation grant for narthex, sacristy, paint and gold leaf
- 2020 — Minor fire damage during protests following the murder of George Floyd
- 2026 — $45 million restoration begins; 100th anniversary of basilica status
Architecture
Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, who trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, the Basilica is widely recognized as one of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts architecture in the United States and an early American expression of Baroque influence in church architecture. Its wide nave was said at the time of construction to be the widest nave in the world. The foundation is Rockville granite; the walls are white Vermont granite rising 70 feet from floor to eave-line; the entrance is a colonnaded portico flanked by two 116-foot spires. The marble altar and baldachin are by Maginnis & Walsh of Boston, hand-carved at Benziger Brothers Studios in Pietrasanta, Italy. The ceiling and dome paintings are notable interior features, alongside stained glass and detailed plasterwork.
- Beaux-Arts style by Emmanuel Louis Masqueray (French, 1861-1917)
- Rockville granite foundation; white Vermont granite walls
- Colonnaded portico with twin 116-foot spires
- Stained glass rose window above the portico; 60 stained glass windows total
- Nave barrel vault 82 feet high (2 feet taller than St. Peter's Rome)
- Grand dome — 138 feet to the top of the dome, 200 feet including cross
- 50-foot marble-columned baldachin over the altar
- Eight double bronze doors (installed 1954)
Faith Formation & Youth Ministry
The Basilica offers a dynamic selection of programs for children, youth and adults. Faith Formation classes for children in preschool through 5th grade are offered Sunday mornings during the 9:30am Mass. Grades 6-7 meet Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:15pm, while the Basilica YES youth ministry (Grades 9-12) also meets Sunday afternoons from 3:30-5:15pm. The Young Family Ministry / Whole Family Catechesis supports families with young children. Adult faith is supported through an Adult Speaker Series and the Basilica Young Adults community.
- Faith Formation Preschool-Grade 5 (Sunday mornings)
- Grades 6-7 (Sunday afternoons 3:30-5:15pm)
- Basilica YES Youth Ministry — Grades 9-12 (Sunday afternoons 3:30-5:15pm)
- Young Family Ministry / Whole Family Catechesis
- Adult Speaker Series and Programs
- Basilica Young Adults
OCIA — Becoming Catholic
OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (formerly RCIA), is the parish's process by which adults are initiated into the Catholic Church. Weekly OCIA formation classes are intended for the unbaptized, for those interested in converting from other Christian denominations, and for Catholics who have never received the sacrament of Confirmation. Children seven years and older are initiated through an OCIA adapted for children. The parish also recruits and trains OCIA sponsors, who accompany inquirers on their journey.
- OCIA for unbaptized adults
- OCIA for Christians entering into full communion
- OCIA for Catholics seeking Confirmation
- OCIA adapted for children age 7+
- OCIA sponsor ministry
Charity & Service — St. Vincent de Paul Ministries
Rooted in the gospel call to "seek the well-being of the city," the Basilica's St. Vincent de Paul Ministries work along a continuum from immediate direct service through long-term accompaniment and systemic-change advocacy. Immediate Needs ministries include emergency relief such as food, gas cards, and transportation assistance. Long Term Support ministries accompany individuals over time and include mentoring for Hennepin Connections, refugee and immigrant support, and criminal-justice mentoring of people re-entering society after prison. The most important goal is to build relationships — described by the parish as "the foundation of all we do."
- St. Vincent de Paul direct service and emergency relief
- Immigrant Support Ministry / Refugee Ministry
- Mentoring — Hennepin Connections, Prisoners, Patients
- Criminal Justice Ministry
- Long-term accompaniment and systemic change advocacy
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers power every level of parish life. The Basilica's current volunteer needs include Immigrant Support Ministry, Liturgical Ministry (Eucharistic ministers, ushers, lectors), Mentoring (Hennepin Connections, Prisoners, or Patients), and OCIA sponsors. The parish especially needs catechists, safety/security volunteers, and singers for its various choir ensembles. Volunteering is described by the parish as a way to nurture relationships and provide a sense of purpose.
- Eucharistic ministers, ushers, lectors
- Catechists
- OCIA sponsors
- Choir and music ensemble singers
- Safety and security volunteers
- Mentors and immigrant support
Music & Liturgical Arts
Music is integral to worship at the Basilica. The 7:30am Sunday Mass and the Saturday Vigil are supported by organ and cantor. The 9:30am Mass features organ and cantor, with classical guitar summer soloist Christopher Kachian during the summer months. The 12:00pm and 5:30pm Sunday Masses are led by piano and a contemporary ensemble. The full music program provides opportunities for cantors, choral singers, instrumentalists, and a contemporary ensemble to serve the parish.
- Organ and cantor (7:30am Sunday, Saturday Vigil)
- Classical guitar summer soloist (Christopher Kachian) at 9:30am
- Piano and contemporary ensemble at 12:00pm and 5:30pm Sunday Masses
- Choir and ensemble volunteer opportunities
Access and Inclusion
The Basilica's Access and Inclusion Ministry works to remove barriers that prevent the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families in parish life and in the community at large. The 9:30am Sunday Mass is interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL), and the parish hosts an annual Accessibility and Disability Awareness and Resource Fair. Voting accessibility is also part of the ministry's advocacy work.
- ASL interpretation at the 9:30am Sunday Mass
- Accessibility and Disability Awareness and Resource Fair
- Parish-wide inclusion advocacy
- Voting accessibility efforts
Lay Leadership, Staff & Clergy
The Basilica is led by a rector/pastor supported by associate priests, a Parish Council, and a dedicated lay staff organized into Christian and Family Life, Clergy, Liturgy, Mission Advancement, Parish Operations, and Parish Council. Recent Mass bulletins reflect a clerical team including Fr. Daniel Griffith (Rector/Pastor, departing 2026), Fr. Harry Tasto, Fr. Joseph Gillespie, OP, and Fr. Peter Brandenhoff. Lay staff include Melissa Streit (Director of Engagement and Family Life; Safe Environment Coordinator), Audra Johnson (Managing Director of Parish Operations / Director of Finance and Human Resources since 2008), Andrea Lutterman (Vice Chair, Parish Council), Bob Warhol, Ben Anderson, Char Myhre, Brigette Olson, Blake McDougall, and Colin Rouser.
- Fr. Daniel Griffith (Rector, departing 2026)
- Fr. Harry Tasto
- Fr. Joseph Gillespie, OP
- Fr. Peter Brandenhoff
- Melissa Streit — Director of Engagement and Family Life; Safe Environment Coordinator
- Audra Johnson — Managing Director of Parish Operations (Director of Finance & HR since 2008)
- Andrea Lutterman — Vice Chair, Parish Council
- Bob Warhol, Ben Anderson, Char Myhre, Brigette Olson, Blake McDougall, Colin Rouser
Becoming a Member
The Basilica welcomes new members from all backgrounds, with registration possible online via the New Member Form or by calling 612-333-1381 to request a Membership Packet. New members are invited to a New Member Brunch with Basilica staff and other new members for fellowship and a short program after the 9:30am Mass. The parish frames membership as an invitation to "learn, grow and celebrate" — connecting members to more than 150 years of Catholic life in Minneapolis.
- Online New Member Form
- Membership Packet by mail (call 612-333-1381)
- New Member Brunch after the 9:30am Mass
Visit, Hours & Restoration (2026)
The Basilica church is at 1600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403; the Rectory Office is at 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Office hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm (subject to change based on scheduled activities and holidays). Weekly Masses continue in Saint Joseph Chapel at 7:00am and Noon, Monday-Friday. In April 2026, the Archdiocese began a $45 million restoration of the main worship area of the Basilica; the upper nave will be closed for approximately 12 months while walls are replastered, pews restored, and brick and stained glass cleaned. During this period, all weekend liturgies are being celebrated in Teresa of Calcutta Hall (TOCH) on the lower level, with the regular Mass schedule continuing.
- Office: 88 N 17th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Church: 1600 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
- Office hours Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm
- $45 million restoration begun April 2026 (~12 months)
- Weekend liturgies in Teresa of Calcutta Hall during restoration
- All weekday Masses continue in Saint Joseph Chapel
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. James McGolrick1868-1889
First rector of the Immaculate Conception parish, predecessor to the Basilica; founded St. Vincent de Paul Society, Rosary Society, and led the Total Abstinence movement in Minneapolis.
- Rev. Thomas E. Cullen1902-1921
Rector who led the fundraising campaign for the new Pro-Cathedral after Archbishop Ireland's 1903 announcement.
- Monsignor Reardon
Rector during the 1941 Solemn Consecration; raised to the rank of Monsignor during the Ninth National Eucharistic Congress in June 1941.