Why the urgency ?
1. Historic Churches at Risk
• Of the ~16,000 Catholic parishes in the U.S., estimates suggest 30–40% were built before 1950—many qualify as historic. Many are at risk of closure to deferred maintenance or declining Mass attendance.
2. Catholic Church Closures
• Over 3,500 Catholic parishes in the U.S. have closed since 1970.
• Major dioceses have each closed or merged hundreds of churches.
3. Lost or Uncatalogued Sacred Art & Artifacts
• Sacred items (altars, statues, chalices, stained glass) do not have a central place to be stored and restored.
4. Global Catholic Churches in Decline
• Across Europe and Latin America, tens of thousands of churches are abandoned, sold, or repurposed each year.
• France alone closes ~20 churches per year, many of which are centuries old.
Rooted in the Past, Alive Today, Hope for Future Generations
Historical markers are not just plaques or signs—they are sacred witnesses to the universal story of the Catholic Church. Whether in a rural village or a major city, these markers link us to the faithful who came before us, anchoring the Church in a tangible history of prayer, sacrifice, and community life.
Across the globe, historic Catholic churches are often the oldest and most culturally significant buildings in a region. Marking them formally affirms their value—not only to local communities but to the entire Body of Christ. Each marker is a public acknowledgment that the Eucharist was offered here, souls were baptized here, vocations were nurtured here. This shared patrimony is not confined by borders—it belongs to the whole Church.
At Ave Maria Restoration, we are committed to supporting bishops restore Historic churches under their care and connect the faithful around the world to the Church’s rich past, to the communities still gathering in her sacred spaces today, and to the generations yet to come who will inherit this legacy of faith.
Why are Historical Markers Important?
1. Legal Protection Against Demolition or Repurposing
In many jurisdictions, once a property is registered as a historic landmark, it cannot be altered, demolished, or sold for secular use without approval from a preservation commission. This creates a legal buffer that protects historic churches from being converted into nightclubs, condos, or commercial properties—outcomes that have become alarmingly common.
2. Public Awareness and Recognition
The presence of a historical marker instantly elevates public awareness of a church’s importance. It educates the broader community, including passersby, tourists, and potential donors, about the church’s story and its role in shaping local history. This awareness often translates into stronger public advocacy when the building is under threat.
3. Access to Restoration Grants and Tax Incentives
Churches with historical designation are often eligible for state and federal grants, preservation tax credits, and restoration funding. These financial tools are vital for parishes or nonprofits that lack the resources to maintain aging structures. Without this support, many buildings fall into disrepair and become targets for demolition.
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Help protect and restore our sacred heritage for future generations.
