The campaign goal is $10.5 million, meaning the campaign has surpassed the 75% mark. That amount covers the cost of updating the interior of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 802 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee. It also includes the building of a glass atrium gathering space and ambulatory connecting to the north side of the cathedral and costs for renovating and renewing other buildings and property directly north of the cathedral.

"The support of priests, parishes and Catholics of the archdiocese has been tremendous," said project director Rev. Carl Last. "The outpouring of support for the entire project, both for the interior and for the block, has been overwhelming."

The interior cathedral renovation includes building updates such as replacement of heating and cooling systems, restoration of the original post-1935 color scheme, an expansion of seating, creation of various devotional chapels and the commission of new liturgical furnishings such as a new altar, pulpit, bishop's chair and baptismal font.

"Enthusiasm for the project has been strong," said Mary Ellen Stanek, campaign co-chair. "People who have visited the cathedral and seen the restored section have been impressed by the warmth of the colors."

The plan for the cathedral block has evolved, with the space north of the cathedral church being a central focus for expanded use. In addition to the glass atrium and ambulatory, a cloister garden for prayer and meditation will be built. Along Jackson Street, a garden wall will provide an open view of the cloister garden and green space, while creating a buffer zone between the secular city and the sacred worship space. The current parish rectory, located on the southwest corner of the block, will be renovated to house parish offices.

The majority of the costs involved with the project are marked for renovating buildings north of the cathedral, preparing them to house new or expanded outreach programs. Both Fr. Last and Stanek have been pleased with the response to this new outreach ministry.

"The ministry programs proposed for the homeless and those in need of physical or mental health counseling have been well received," Last said.

"One aspect of the project that all people seem to relate to is the need to maintain our Catholic emphasis on social ministry," Stanek said. "Based upon the positive reaction to the proposed programs, I'm confident we'll reach our campaign goal."

The Cathedral Project Campaign hopes to be completed by summer. The cathedral will close after Masses on Sunday, May 20, with construction work beginning the following day. The cathedral rededication is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2002.

For current information on The Cathedral Project, go to: http://www.cathedralproject.org