Campaign and Restoration Project Executive Summary

Dear Friends,

The extraordinary generosity of our community has allowed us to broaden our vision for restoration and set an expanded goal of $50 million. The multi-phase project is now 84% funded, with momentum continuing to build each month.

This success enables us to broaden the scope of work to include reconstruction of the monumental stairs and additional restoration of the interior dome. We have long known these projects would be necessary, and we are grateful that the support of this campaign makes it possible to address these critical needs now.

Remarkable progress continues throughout the church. Each day, skilled craftspeople meticulously repair and preserve the historic stonework while, 75 feet above the floor, plaster conservation specialists work from scaffolding to restore the church’s decorative plaster ceiling. The first stained-glass windows have also been carefully removed and transported to the Femenella & Associates workshop in New Jersey for restoration.

As I conclude my pastorate at The Basilica, I am pleased to provide this comprehensive executive summary of the campaign to date. I am confident that The Basilica will meet this ambitious goal as Fr. Talbot is not only a good pastor, but also an able fundraiser. For my part, I will stay on fundraising and the restoration project until it is completed. Due to God’s grace and your generosity, the progress we have made on the campaign and the restoration project are remarkable. 

Please know, every gift, large or small, helps preserve this extraordinary landmark and ensures that future generations can experience the beauty, faith, history, and community that define The Basilica. Thank you for being part of this once-in-a-generation effort to restore and preserve this sacred place.

Gratefully to God and you,
Fr. Daniel Griffith, Pastor and Rector