Press Releases

August 2026

Dear Friends of the Carmel Mission Foundation,

Please allow me to introduce myself as the Executive Director of the Carmel Mission Foundation. I joined the Foundation in March of this year and have been honored to work alongside our Board of Directors, the Carmel Mission Basilica, and the Diocese of Monterey to strengthen our shared commitment to preserving one of California's most treasured historic and spiritual landmarks.

Established in 2008, the Carmel Mission Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charity, independent from any religious organization, dedicated to restoring and preserving the historic buildings, grounds, art, and artifacts of the Carmel Mission, founded in 1771. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, the Foundation has awarded more than $14 million to preserve this extraordinary landmark for future generations.

Over the past several months, we have met with Bishop Ramón Bejarano, Deacon Tom Caso, Pastor Fr. Paul Murphy, and General Manager Justin Burke to discuss the Mission's most pressing preservation needs. These conversations have reaffirmed our shared commitment to protecting the Basilica, its chapels, museums, artwork, and historic artifacts. Bishop Ramón is deeply committed to preserving the historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of the Carmel Mission Basilica, including its significance as the final resting place of Saint Junípero Serra.

The Mission has identified the restoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Mora Chapels as immediate priorities, with the longer-term need to seismically retrofit these historic structures. These important projects will require significant philanthropic support and will be a primary focus of the Foundation's fundraising efforts.

For more than 250 years, the Carmel Mission has inspired generations through its history, culture, and enduring significance. Today, I invite you to continue your partnership with the Carmel Mission Foundation by making a charitable gift of any amount. Your generosity will help preserve the Blessed Sacrament and Mora Chapels, as well as the many irreplaceable treasures of the Mission, for generations to come.

A reply envelope is enclosed for your convenience to update your communication preferences, and/or make a financial gift. You may also make a secure online donation at www.carmelmissionfoundation.org/giving.

Thank you for your friendship, generosity, and steadfast commitment to the Carmel Mission Foundation. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming months as we celebrate the Foundation's renewed purpose and begin this new chapter of stewardship and preservation together.

With gratitude,

Lisa Guthrie
Executive Director
Carmel Mission Foundation

lisa@carmelmissionfoundation.org
mobile 831.238.5725

"Carmel Mission Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. It is legally and organizationally separate and distinct from Carmel Mission Basilica and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Monterey. Carmel Mission Foundation is not a Catholic entity and has no authority over the Mission's operations, clergy, liturgy, or property. Camel Mission Foundation's sole purpose is to raise funds in support of the restoration, preservation and conservation of Carmel Mission Basilica."