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The St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, which has raised $10 million for its renovations over the last 20 years, has embarked on a new, $700,000 campaign to fund a number of upcoming projects and build up its reserves.
The projects include interior and exterior lighting, masonry and stained glass repairs and a new sound system, said foundation Executive Director Susan Rabe.
Built by Polish immigrants between 1896 and 1901, the Basilica -- one of only three in the United States at the time -- is considered a cultural and historic landmark in Milwaukee.
“People come here from around the world,” said the foundation’s executive director Susan Rabe, who took on the post in 2009.
The new campaign has already received a $50,000 gift from the We Energy Foundation.
In addition to covering maintenance and repair costs, the campaign drive is intended to reinvigorate the foundation's annual giving, which has slipped over the past five years from $300,000 to $400,000 annually, to about $125,000, according to Rabe.
MJS - Annysa Johnson
A group of youth ministers has launched a new organization aimed at revitalizing southeastern Wisconsin's young Catholic community. And they are hoping to draw hundreds to its debut gathering at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at St. Josaphat Catholic Church on Milwaukee's south side.
Arise is aimed at bringing together young Catholics of every stripe, whether they are currently practicing or not, said Tom Klind, assistant youth minister at Christ King, St. Pius X and St. Bernard parishes in Wauwatosa. The evening's service will be a mix of contemporary worship and orthodox practice, including Eucharistic adoration.
"There will be something for everyone," said Klind. The target audience is age 18 to 40, but it's open to anyone, he said.
Already 100 people have signed up via Facebook.
Arise has won the support of Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Donald Hying, who will offer the benediction at St. Josaphat.
“When you think about it, Jesus called young adults to be His apostles. Now is the time for young people to embrace their Catholic faith in a deeper relationship with Jesus,” Hying said in a statement. Arise plans follow-up gatherings in November, January and April. Look for those dates to be posted on its website at www.arisemilwaukee.org.
MJS
The Li'l Friar Basilica Gift Shop, 622 W. Lincoln Ave., is a storefront that sits directly in the shadow of St. Josaphat Basilica. However, the store, which opened in 2000, is owned by the Franciscan Order and not the Basilica.
The bishop of La Crosse Diocese, Bill Callahan, started Li'l Friar when he was pastor at St. Josaphat. "He said, 'There's so many beautiful pieces of religious art, let's try to bring them together'," says Melissa Rabi, the store manager of Li'l Friar.
The gift shop carries an impressive array of crosses from Mexico, Slovakia, Austria, Ireland, Germany, Venezuela, Kenya, Thailand, Peru, Poland, Bethlehem and Russia. The inventory changes regularly, and currently includes two art pieces on consignment from artists in the neighborhood. By Christmas, the gift shop will have 150 different nativity scenes.
continue at On Milwaukee
