Video screenshot [YouTube/ Archdiocese of Detroit]
CV NEWS FEED // A new Catholic nonprofit with an innovative model has assumed ownership of the historic Basilica of Sainte Anne de Detroit in Michigan, giving the parish, which currently faces millions of dollars in repairs, a stable path forward to maintain its mission.
The Catholic Initiative, launched by the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, is a Vatican-approved nonprofit, as CatholicVote previously reported. Its model ensures that Catholic institutions have a permanent right to continue using their properties for their Catholic mission and guaranteeing long-term restoration and maintenance through its 200-year lease program. A new nonprofit is formed for each project.
The neo-Gothic basilica currently faces $30 million in repairs, according to a March 10 CBS News report. Built in 1886, it is the oldest parish in Michigan and the second-oldest parish in the United States. It serves English and Spanish-speaking communities and is a popular site for Catholic weddings.
Detroit Archbishop Emeritus Allen H. Vigneron explained in a news release, “Due to the Basilica’s age and significance, Ste. Anne Parish would have needed to enter a state of perpetual fundraising, often at the expense of its missionary efforts, to undertake the extensive renovations and costly maintenance work required.”
Now, The Catholic Initiative will work with Ste. Anne on the basilica’s restoration and create a $20 million endowment for future repairs and maintenance that will also support an on-site priest for the parish.
“To our knowledge, this is the first time in United States history that the Vatican has approved a shift in ownership of a parish church to a dedicated nonprofit,” Doyle said in the release. “We are pioneering a new model of investing in vibrant churches, schools, and parishes, securing their long-term viability and strengthening their ability to serve their communities. We hope we can shift the conversation for priests and parishioners—from one of constant fundraising to one of renewal, sustainability, and the needs of the community.”
CBS reported that a significant portion of the restoration funding will come from a $111 million commitment the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation has made for such projects. Under the 200-year lease, Ste. Anne will continue to use the church building and properties while the Catholic Initiative will own the building and take care of maintenance and repairs.
According to the release, the restoration of the basilica and parish facilities should take three years. The basilica will gain a new outdoor pavilion and a prayer wall. There will also be enhancements to the basilica’s walkways, landscaping, and lighting.
Monsignor Charles Kosanke, rector of the basilica, announced the change at Masses on March 9, according to the release.
“Today, with this announcement, Ste. Anne is blessed to move forward into the future with a firm financial foundation, thanks to the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation and its new Catholic Initiative,” Msgr. Kosanke said. “With God’s blessing and a lot of hard work, their hope is to help other parishes like Ste. Anne all over the United States.”
