On October 27, 2025, Pope Leo XIV issued his apostolic letter, Drawing New Maps of Hope. 

In it, he reaffirmed the essential role of Catholic education—not only in forming students academically, but in shaping faith-filled, morally grounded leaders for our world. 

Most importantly, he stressed that Catholic education must be accessible to all, not reserved only for those who can afford it.

That call challenges all of us.

At Muskegon Catholic Central, our administrators and leadership took Pope Leo’s words seriously. Rather than viewing them as aspirational, we chose to treat them as a direct invitation to act.

In response, MCC is moving forward with a bold initiative we call the “Promise to Pope Leo” Tuition Access Campaign—a concrete commitment to ensure our Catholic education remains both excellent and accessible for families in the Muskegon community.

Median household income in Muskegon: $65,024 
True cost of a student’s education: $12,385
Current annual MCC tuition: $10,700

We have developed a self-sustaining, stepped-improvement model for the next five years and beyond, intending to improve overall student experiences and grow enrollment. 

It starts by making tuition accessible to all who meet our enrollment standards and seek a faith-based education. We can only do this with the help of generous donors who want to help bring Catholic Christian values into our community.

Leadership Gifts and community gifts will light the way for future generations, helping to provide Catholic education to those who would otherwise go without.

OUR 5-YEAR GOALS:

• Leadership gifts goal: A combined total of $6m per year.
• Community gifts goal: 250 people at $6k per year each.
  
  

ANTICIPATED RESULTS:

1. Bridge the gap to cover the true cost of tuition to improve the MCC experience.
2. Reduce tuition to make MCC accessible to more families in our community.
3. Grow enrollment by an average of 15% year over year.
4. Create an endowment to secure lower tuition for future generations.

This is our charity. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Project Coordinator, Kristi Novotny, at (231) 730-6482 or by email knovotny@muskegoncatholic.org

Give Online: Use the donation options on this page located above.

Pay By Check: Mail or drop off payments to the Muskegon Catholic Central Business Office at 1145 W Laketon Ave, Muskegon, MI 49441 

Planned Gifts: Planned giving, including estate and deferred gifts, allows donors to make a meaningful legacy gift to Muskegon Catholic Central while realizing immediate financial and tax benefits. Wills, bequests, life insurance, and other estate-planned gifts can be made by contacting Kristi Novotny at (231) 730-6482 or by email knovotny@muskegoncatholic.org

Transfers: Contact our foundation office to transfer stocks, IRA funds, or Donor-Advised Funds by calling Kristi Novotny at (231) 730-6482 or by email knovotny@muskegoncatholic.org

MCC is a private school, allowing us to provide a customized education model to your child's experience, ensuring alignment with your family values.

With the Promise to Pope Leo Tuition Assistance Program, we are making MCC more accessible than ever before, bringing the benefits of a Christ-centered environment to all who meet our enrollment standards and seek a faith-based education.

Please consider MCC for your family.... After all, you only get one chance to raise your kids.

Visit our website to learn more about MCC, how to enroll, and how the Promise to Pope Leo and other tuition-assistance plans can help. 

LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE.