The push is on to preserve the Basilica of St. John the Baptist and surrounding Roman Catholic Church properties in the capital city’s downtown.

A joint bid committee struck to try to purchase the Basilica, St. Bon’s and the adjacent forum is preparing to submit its purchase bid for the block of properties next week.

The buildings and land are considered the most lucrative of the St. John’s Archdiocese assets, which are being sold off to settle sex abuse claims related to the former Mount Cashel Orphanage.

The bid committee, which includes the Basilica Heritage Foundation, St. Bonaventure’s College and the St. Bon’s Forum, indicates they’ve had conversations with people and groups who can help make the best bid, but they’re still looking for more support from the community.

The reality, says St. Bon’s board chair Rob Blackie, is that the school and linked community may no longer exist if they do not make the highest bid.