In an exciting new development for Catholic communities nationwide, a major initiative is making waves by investing tens of millions of dollars to help “restore and endow” Catholic parishes and organizations.
This effort aims to support Catholic communities for generations to come.
The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation launched this initiative earlier this month, calling it the “Catholic Initiative.”
The foundation describes the effort as an innovative, Vatican-approved funding model designed to safeguard the future of Catholic parishes, schools, and properties across the United States.
A New Funding Model for Faith-Based Organizations
This initiative is being hailed as the first of its kind in faith-based fundraising.
It involves transferring the ownership of church buildings and campuses to a newly established nonprofit organization created specifically for this purpose.
The goal is to preserve and ensure the continuity of Catholic properties while relieving parishes and organizations from financial burdens.
Kevin Doyle, the chief operating officer of the foundation, explained that the initiative would start with five major projects.
These projects are being carefully selected, with a focus on communities that have strong leadership, a vibrant ethos, and an underserved or under-resourced population.
The goal is to invest in areas where the need for support is greatest.
Restoring a Historic Church in Detroit
One of the most significant projects is the Basilica of Sainte Anne de Détroit, a historic parish in Detroit dating back to the late 19th century.
As one of the oldest continually operated Catholic parishes in the United States, this church holds deep historical and cultural significance.
Doyle explained that the project aims to “restore” the basilica, not merely renovate it.
The foundation plans to fix the stained glass windows, repair the pews, and modernize the infrastructure while preserving the building’s architectural integrity.
The goal is to restore the basilica’s original grandeur while making necessary upgrades to the building.
The project also seeks to enhance the surrounding campus, with plans to build a new plaza and create more green space and walkways.
Doyle emphasized that the foundation aims to create a welcoming environment for both Catholics and the broader local community, not just for Mass but as a space where people can gather regularly throughout the week.
Expanding the Initiative with Schools and Ministries
In addition to the Detroit basilica, the initiative is supporting the historic Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart in Chicago, which was founded by the Sisters of Christian Charity in the late 19th century.
Like the basilica, Doyle sees an opportunity to turn the school into a community hub, offering educational and social opportunities to those in need.
Another key recipient of the initiative’s support is Bulldog Catholic, the youth ministry led by Father Mike Schmitz at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Bulldog Catholic offers Mass, sacraments, and fellowship to Catholic students.
Schmitz, who serves on the initiative’s board of advisers, is passionate about forming the next generation of Catholics, and this endowment will help ensure the continued success of the ministry.
Looking Ahead: More Projects in the Works
While the initiative has already funded these major projects, there are plans for additional investments in the future.
However, Doyle mentioned that the foundation will wait for more endowments before launching further restoration and support programs.
A clear process and selection criteria will be developed to prioritize future projects, although Doyle anticipates that it will take a couple of years before those projects are launched.
The foundation is also backing some innovative housing initiatives in Florida.
These include a housing development for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in southern Florida, as well as an affordable housing project in Immokalee, Florida, to support low-income residents in the area.
A Vision for Long-Term Sustainability
All told, the foundation has committed over $100 million in housing and Catholic initiatives to date.
This effort is a pioneering model for investing in churches, schools, and parishes in underserved communities, with the goal of ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Doyle explained that this initiative will ease the financial burdens that religious leaders and educators often face, allowing them to focus on their core mission—serving their communities.
By investing in these vital Catholic institutions, the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation is helping to secure the future of the Church for generations to come.