St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation

The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation was chartered as a non-profit Wisconsin corporation in 1991. The Foundation has provided guidance and leadership in the restoration and renovation of the Basilica. The Foundation continues to support the financial endowment of the Basilica in its historical, cultural, and spiritual identity.

In 1990, the foundation was formed by concerned citizens after the Basilica revealed years of exterior and interior deterioration. The non-profit, non-sectarian foundation addresses the restoration and preservation needs of the Basilica. In 1991, the Basilica foundation undertook a capital campaign for the Basilica's exterior restoration. In 1994 the foundation raised over $2.5 million to complete the exterior restoration. In 1995 a study was made to restore the interior of the Basilica that followed a fund campaign to raise $2.5 million to restore the interior. In 1997 the interior restoration campaign was completed. Designs for the Visitors' Center addition west of the Basilica were completed in 1998 and approved by Milwaukee's Historic Preservation Commission. The Visitors' Center ground breaking ceremony was held in 1999 attended by Archbishop Rembert Weakland OSB; Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist; Rector-Pastor William P. Callahan, OFM Conv.; Foundation Chairman Michael J. Murry; President Conrad C. Kaminski and Campaign Chairman Donald J. Schuenke. The fund campaign began in 2000. The campaign continues to raise $2.2 million to complete the Pope John Paul II Pavilion Visitors' Center that was dedicated in August, 2000. The Visitors' Center includes accessibility for the elderly and handicapped, an elevator, rest rooms, donor's chapel and gift shop. The foundation still needs $500,000 to complete its financial commitment to the Pope John Paul II Pavilion.

Contributions and memorial gifts can be sent to:

St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation
5445 S. Westridge Dr.
P.O. Box 511160
New Berlin, WI 53151-1160

Cynthia A. Loew, Executive Director
Telephone: (262) 827-5637
FAX: (262) 827-5614
E-mail: cyndi.loew@cfg-mail.com