8. Interview with Melissa Streit and Emily Carlson (Part 2)

Return to Melissa and Emily Part 1

FF: How have people come through the Block Party into the church?

M: Though our events are separate from Avenues they really are intertwined. When we looked for people to take on a chunk of responsibility for planning the first block party, that's who we went to. The departments are separate, but the people are interwoven. Our original leaders came directly out of Avenues. When people come to volunteer we ask them if they want to get involved in Avenues… I think our guests don't see any difference.

50 households a month join this parish - so we invite them in at new member dinners and invite them to get involved. When we ask people to say how they got involved there are always a number who say, I came to the Block Party or I volunteered at the Block Party and any parish that will do this is a place where I could belong.

For example the 6:15 mass used to be 300 people now its full and we seat 1100 people. For Father Michael and other folks the question is what do we do now to have this be their parish on an ongoing basis?

We went through a process of strategic planning, and asked are we a transitory parish or are we a cradle to grave parish? We are really looking to be a long term parish for those who are interested - those who want us, we want to be that for them. So the question has come up - do we re-open the school? Huge numbers of people in Sunday School and youth ed. And the question of everyday education for kids is important because often you can't send your kids to a parochial school unless you are a member of the parish.

FF: That question can seem like a no-brainer in the midst of such high demand for parochial schools here in the Cities.

M: that might be true, but it is a huge on going commitment financially. Then the question becomes who attends? Kids from the neighborhood that aren't members? As a cathedral we have a broader commitment to the diocese and how does that work out? Also Father Michael is on year 10 of a 12 year call so how would that work with a new head pastor? So they're really working it through.

FF: So in the conversation about life long or transitional, was it an either/or? It doesn't seem like it would have to be.

M: It is very much both lifelong and transitional. Inevitably we are transitional - especially for those under 35 moving every year is typical. Our location, the demographic of our parish - Minneapolis is a transient city. We are aware of that and we have no control over some of it. People may not be leaving because of things we are or aren't doing - a transfer is a transfer. For people who are looking for a parish, how can we provide that for a life long commitment as well.

FF: Emily, what stuck you about coming here as a young adult?

E: As a young adult I was struck by the youth that is here. I was looking around at different areas to work, decided I'd rather work for a non-profit at this point. I had worked for corporations and the motivations there weren't in line with mine. This place seemed like a good fit.

FF: Melissa, how about you?

M: It would be so much easier to talk about how it hasn't. Literally, that's true. When I moved here I was not catholic, I did not have a parish. As a volunteer I was involved in RCIA - and it was amazing how many different stories and the variety of faith stories and the way the spirit works is amazing. I can't begin to quantify… When I grew up going to church was just a responsibility. Coming here after graduating from college this was the first time faith or the spirit grabbed me… I experienced personal growth, personal comfort, experienced church as something as more than responsibility. My struggle was is it just the church or is it the Catholic faith? If it's just the church then it wouldn't be right to change faiths.

FF: RCIA what is it?

M: My father's family is all Lutheran so they were interested, too. When I did it, it was a 9 month process you started in the fall and confirmed and/or baptized at the Easter vigil. When I did it there were over 50 converts plus sponsors. Now they've changed it because they asked why 9 months - does everyone's faith journey fit that? No. Some people might take years. Some have come in already well catechized and just need familiarity with how Catholicism differs. So we have a series of classes at different levels that people can jump around in. Some people come with very little formation, others with more. It was very foundational for myself and my husband because he was my sponsor so we went through the engagement and marriage process while I was participating in RCIA.

FF: Genius?

M: Where I have found comfort as a parishioner is that this is a parish that's willing to meet you wherever you are at. That we are all on this journey together. That there's no right and wrong. That was very reassuring for me compared to the stereotypes I had of Catholics coming in.
That's what the Block Party is about - who you are, where you're at, we invite you to come for this, come for more, but come for this. You are invited.

FF: Where do you see the Block Party attracting people from?

M: not really sure. I'm pretty sure they're not all Catholics. We did have a market research team come in 1999 and ask 250 folks questions. That was interesting info for us. From that info 90% are not members of the parish. They didn't ask volunteers - most of whom are parishioners. Some who came probably didn't realize that it was a church function. A lot of them if they would give a denomination wouldn't say Catholic. The other message here besides inviting people to try this parish is here is a church that welcomes you - maybe another church will welcome you too, if you would never consider being Catholic.

FF: And it sponsors a huge event in the city.

M: Father O'Connell feels a commitment to the city of Minneapolis - that the BSM is a moral compass for the city. That extends out farther than parishioners.

FF: Collaboration with other faith communities in the city… does that just happen pastorally or on a broader staff level?

M: Started pastorally… now with Habitat for Humanity it will involve collaboration on a wider staff level. The downtown pastors, plus Father Michael is tight with the former senior rabbi at the Temple Israel and with the Right Rev from the Episcopal Church and their friendship sparked Jeremiah and the pastors group in the city. What is our responsibility to low income folks who have inhabited the hwy 55 area? - with BSM at one end of 55 and Ascension at the other end Father Michael is passionate about that.

Faith Forum held in other churches talking about faith from different perspectives. Reinforces that the likeness are greater than the differences in all faiths. That has really broken down walls in between groups.

FF: No collaboration around the Block Party?

M: for us it was an intentional consciousness-raising event to say hey - we've got a basilica. The Block Party is our signature event

FF: Young adults how does that play out in the Block Party?

M: wouldn't happen without the volunteers - pouring beer, grilling brats, taking tickets. We have a three staff people that work on it, and we hire some consultants, but volunteers do the rest. We have 50 volunteers on a planning committee that starts the year before. Committee meetings are here. Thank you parties are here. We want people to get used to being here, and get in the habit of volunteering here are and want to come back.

FF: Do the young adults feel a sense of ownership with the Block Party?

M: there is a huge ownership and pride in this parish because this belongs to this parish and to these young adults... Do you want some materials?

FF: Of course we do. So who all do you hire to organize the block party?

M: Five consultants - corporate sponsors, production (Bands), ticket agency, entertainment booking, executive director (site logistics). Volunteers do the rest.