What will Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing look like in five to ten years? Thanks to the Stewardship for Saints & Scholars campaign, the picture is already coming into focus: stronger teachers, greater affordability, broader accessibility, and thriving local parish initiatives—all working together to form the next generation of saints and scholars.
With a $70 million goal, the campaign is strategically designed to transform Catholic education across mid-Michigan:
* On Mission (35% – $24.5 million): A new generation of excellent and faithful teachers and administrators will be attracted, formed, and retained through innovative programs. To ensure this work continues for generations, $20 million will be endowed in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Endowment. In addition, $4.5 million will address immediate needs, including signing bonuses of up to $6,000 over three years for new teachers and administrators, as well as a comprehensive three-year training program. The Invest in the Best initiative will provide retention bonuses of up to $3,000 every three years and yearly formation grants, helping our schools keep and inspire the best educators.
* Affordable (30% – $21 million): Affordability for families is a cornerstone of the campaign. An $11 million endowment was established during the previous Witness to Hope campaign, and now, Stewardship for Saints & Scholars will add another $19 million—increasing the Catholic Schools Financial Aid Endowment by more than 150%. This growth will significantly expand tuition assistance:
Grades K–8 grants will increase from $750 to as much as $1,500 (35% of average 2023–24 tuition).
Grades 9–12 grants will grow from $1,000 to as much as $3,000 (30% of average 2023–24 tuition).
These increases will ease the burden for families and open Catholic education to many who once thought it was out of reach.
* Accessible (15% – $10.5 million): The campaign will expand resources to assist students with special needs and strengthen our regional Catholic high schools:
“Serving God’s Children” Fund ($2.5 million). Provides up to $100,000 per year in grants to schools and parishes to serve children with special needs, plus up to $12,500 per year in grants for training teachers and securing resources to better serve these students.
Regional Catholic High School Enhancements ($8 million). Provides up to $2 million for each of the four regional Catholic high schools, ensuring these schools can continue to grow as strong centers of faith and learning.
* Local Initiatives (20% – $14 million): Each parish will receive 20% of the funds collected from its parishioners for its own local needs. Once a parish has reached its target, 100% of funds collected over the target will be returned directly to the parish. These local resources will empower parishes to support unique projects—from classroom additions and facility upgrades to faith formation initiatives and homeschool support—that reflect the needs of their communities.
Together, these efforts will ensure that Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing remain strong, vibrant, and accessible for generations to come—forming not only excellent students, but also faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
As we begin the final wave of this campaign, we invite every parishioner to prayerfully consider joining in this effort. Together, we can ensure that Catholic schools remain a source of faith, formation, and hope for generations to come. To learn more about the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars and to make a pledge online, please visit our website at https://stewardshipforsaintsandscholars.com/
