Diocese of London Statement Regarding Assumption Parish, Windsor

In 2007 a comprehensive report determined that Assumption church was in need of extensive restoration repairs, at an estimated cost of approximately $9.8 million. Parish leaders, with the support of the Diocese of London leadership, determined the best course of action was a fundraising campaign that reached beyond the parish. The parish and the diocese entered into an agreement with Philanthropic Management Consultants, Inc. (PMC) to manage fundraising efforts in 2009. In 2010, Assumption Heritage Trust Foundation was incorporated.

Raising funds for such a significant project is never an easy task. The leadership of Assumption parish and the Diocese of London are not satisfied with the results achieved so far and have decided to end our relationship with PMC. We will continue to build on what has been done and intend to thoroughly assess the progress of the fundraising campaign to date and determine next steps.

We would like to thank those who have donated and contributed their time and talent to the fundraising effort. Assumption Heritage Trust Foundation will continue to move forward with the restoration project with a renewed focus and purpose.

Background Information:

Difference Between a Parish and a Church: A parish consists of a membership of Catholics within a set of geographical boundaries. A church building is the physical building(s)/structure(s) where parishioners gather as a place of worship.

Assumption Parish: “The Mission of Our Lady of the Assumption among the Hurons of Detroit” was founded as a mission in 1728 and was established as a parish in 1767. Assumption parish currently has two worship sites: Assumption church (360 Huron Church Road) and Holy Name of Mary church (681 McEwan Avenue). Assumption parish is a parish of the Diocese of London.

Assumption Church: The church today is the fourth Assumption church building. A chapel was built in 1749, followed by new church buildings in 1767, 1787 and 1845. The 1845 building forms the nave of the current church, which was completed in 1925. Assumption church is owned and operated by the Diocese of London.

Bishop of London: The Bishop of London, currently Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, CSB, has the responsibility to govern, teach and sanctify people of faith located within the geographic boundaries of the Diocese of London.

Diocese of London: The Roman Catholic Diocese of London serves the faithful located in nine counties in southwestern Ontario: Elgin, Essex, Huron, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Norfolk, Oxford and Perth. The Diocese of London has more than 120 parishes and Catholic communities.

Assumption University: Assumption University, administered by the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers), dates back to 1857 and is the parent of the University of Windsor. It was known as Assumption College until changing its name in 1956. When the University of Windsor was established in 1963, Assumption University became the Catholic university within the University of Windsor. Assumption University is a privately operated, autonomous university separate from the University of Windsor that has retained degree-granting powers. Assumption University is not under the control or direction of the Diocese of London.

Assumption College Catholic High School: Founded as a private boarding school for male students by the Basilian Fathers in 1870 as part of Assumption University. In 1971, with the merging of St. Mary's Academy, it became a co-educational secondary school within the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board. Assumption College Catholic High School is not under the control or direction of the Diocese of London.

Assumption Heritage Trust Foundation: Incorporated as a charitable foundation, registered to the Canada Revenue Agency, to preserve, protect, restore, rehabilitate and promote Our Lady of Assumption Church at Windsor, Ontario and its related campus, in accordance with the teachings, law and tradition of the Roman Catholic faith, as a place of religious worship and other religious use and as a place of national historical significance.

Philanthropic Management Consultants, Inc. (PMC): is a fundraising and management company. In 2009, Assumption parish and the Diocese of London entered into an agreement with Philanthropic Management Consultants, Inc. (PMC) to manage fundraising efforts for the Assumption restoration project.

Contact :
Director of Communications
Mark Adkinson
Phone : 519-433-0658 x227