Dear Friends and Partners,
We are pleased to announce that St. Joseph Shrine will be hosting its 2022 Legacy Gala on Wednesday, April 27 at St. Mary’s Cultural Center in Livonia, Michigan. The proceeds from this event will greatly help us as we continue to restore St. Joseph Shrine, a historic landmark center of Catholic faith in Detroit’s Eastern Market district. St. Joseph Shrine, a magnificent Victorian Gothic edifice completed in 1873 and noted as of national architectural significance, is an important community hub, a spiritual home for parishioners, and a destination for countless visitors.
Less than six years ago, St. Joseph was in disrepair and on the verge of closure. In order to save this historic gem, the Archbishop of Detroit invited the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest to assume the care of St. Joseph in 2016. Our Historic Renewal campaign was launched with the goal of a complete historically-accurate restoration of St. Joseph Shrine. With the assistance of donations from many generous individuals and businesses, we are witnessing the church being transformed before our eyes. We are in need of a great deal of help to continue the restoration of this historic church.
With our upcoming Legacy Gala, we invite you to become part of St. Joseph Shrine’s living legacy by placing an advertisement for your business or by being acknowledged as a corporate sponsor in our 2022 Gala Program. The program will be shared with our supporters nationwide on our website and social media, and distributed at the event to all of our guests and treasured benefactors, including you.
Through the generosity of our benefactors, we completed Phase I of our Historic Renewal in 2019, with the restoration of the Shrine’s steeple and bell tower. We are now fundraising to complete Phase II, which involves the complete restoration and repair of the Shrine’s stonework. Also included in Phase II are the projects of repairing four stained glass windows, replacing the church’s heating and electrical systems, and repairing the church’s walkways and other infrastructure. Your advertisement or sponsorship will contribute to this effort and help us reach our goal!
We consider our benefactors a tremendous blessing, and we hope to be of service to you by the completion of this important project. Please note that the deadline for participation is April 1st and that all checks should be made payable to "St. Joseph Shrine".
Yours most gratefully,
Rev. Canon Jean-Baptiste Commins
Pastor