The Catholic Initiative

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Our Calling

Restoring the mission

The issues facing the Church today and the model built to meet them.

Misplaced Priorities, Diminished Mission A Model Built for the Past, Failing the Future Full Pews, Empty Balance Sheets Bright Minds, Limited Means Hungry Hearts, Ready to Believe
Transforming Communities

Invest in a thriving and sustainable Catholic Church

The Catholic Initiative is renewing the family of God by investing in and partnering with vibrant, but under-resourced parishes and schools to restore sacred places, amplify ministries, and sustain them for generations.

Ste. Anne de Detroit Bulldog Catholic Josephinum Academy Confidential Indiana project – to be announced Confidential East Coast project – to be announced
Who We Are

Invest in a thriving and sustainable Catholic Church

The Catholic Initiative is renewing the family of God by investing in and partnering with vibrant, but under-resourced parishes and schools to restore sacred places, amplify ministries, and sustain them for generations.

Pulte Family Charitable Foundation About Us Our Team Timeline Contact Us

The Restoration

A 2.5-year, full-campus restoration of America's second-oldest parish — preserving sacred beauty while securing long-term sustainability. Complete by early 2028.

Support The Restoration
Construction Scope

Restoring a sacred landmark

Phase One — roof and bell tower repair — is already complete. The remaining restoration transforms the entire campus into a vibrant center of faith and community service.

Plaza & Campus
  • New outdoor pavilion
  • Enhanced walkways, landscaping & lighting
  • "World Peace" Prayer Wall for reflection
  • Expanded & relocated parking
Ste. Anne Basilica
  • Stained glass window restoration & replacement
  • Brick and facade repair
  • New slate roof
  • Entry way restoration
  • Interior & exterior painting
  • Restoration of pews, altar & organ
  • Technological improvements
Other Buildings
  • Rectory, Parish Hall, Wellness Center
  • Structural repairs
  • Optimized interior functionality
  • Community hub for services, education & events
2.5
Year restoration — complete by early 2028
Construction began mid-2025. The Community Hub launched on Day 1 — social services and programming expand continuously alongside the physical restoration.
Restoration Timeline

Progress on the ground

2023–2024

Phase 1: Roof & Bell Tower Repair Complete

Emergency structural stabilization of the roof and both bell towers. The first major investment to arrest further deterioration of the 19th-century basilica.

Feb 2026

Formal Signing Ceremony Complete

Community leaders, the Archdiocese of Detroit, and The Catholic Initiative gathered to celebrate the formal partnership agreement — securing the basilica's future for 200 years at $1/year.

2025–2026

Community Hub — Day 1 Programming In Progress

Community programming begins immediately alongside the physical restoration — wellness services, parish events, and community gatherings expand continuously.

2026–2027

Phase 2: Basilica Exterior & Windows Upcoming

Stained glass restoration and replacement, brick and facade repair, new slate roof, entry way restoration, and exterior lighting.

2027–2028

Phase 3: Interior, Plaza & Campus — Complete by Early 2028 Upcoming

Interior painting, pew/altar/organ restoration, new outdoor pavilion, "World Peace" Prayer Wall, enhanced walkways, and full restoration of Rectory, Parish Hall, and Wellness Center.

Campus Vision

The restored campus

Architectural renderings of the fully restored Ste. Anne campus — basilica, plaza, pavilion, prayer wall, and grounds.