The Magi’s gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were given out of love and devotion, not duty —an excellent example of stewardship we all can follow. Their generosity to a baby of unassuming parents may have seemed puzzling to bystanders, but in their hearts, the Magi understood who this child really was. 

Launched in 2023, the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign is helping Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lansing become more mission-driven, affordable and accessible, while also supporting parish faith formation and other local needs.  

The campaign is already shaping classrooms and parish halls across the diocese: funds are supporting teachers with new training programs, expanding tuition assistance for families, creating more resources for students and enabling parishes to invest in local ministries and projects.

The fact that the active appeal phase ends around Christmas is a natural reminder that our faith is rooted in giving. At Christmas, we celebrate God’s greatest gift, his Son. The Magi responded to this gift by presenting their treasures. In the same way, the diocese invites gifts to the campaign as acts of gratitude and faith, not obligation.

“Just as the Magi brought treasures to proclaim the mystery of Christ’s coming, so too must we bring our gifts — not out of obligation but out of love, so that Catholic education may flourish and future generations may meet him,” Bishop Earl Boyea said.

The bishop’s words remind us that the campaign is about more than financial goals. It’s about forming hearts and ensuring our faith is passed on.

Our Catholic Schools are already strong, thanks be to God, but continuing to support on-mission teachers is a top priority. Recruiting and retaining quality educators is challenging everywhere, and Catholic schools face that same challenge while asking teachers to embrace a deeper mission. The campaign is helping lighten that load.

With funds raised, the diocese has introduced signing bonuses and invested in professional development so schools can continue offering strong academics rooted in faith. Teachers remain at the center of Catholic education, and their example shapes students long after they leave the classroom.

Affordability also is a priority. By expanding tuition assistance and increasing endowment funds, the diocese is helping make Catholic education more affordable to families. Already, the campaign is opening doors for more children to learn where faith and academics come together.

Accessibility for all students is growing, too. The diocese is improving assistance for students with special needs and intends to provide funds for special projects identified at our four regional diocesan high schools.

Parishioners can see the fruits of stewardship close to home as each parish receives a share of the funds it raises for local initiatives. For some, this means supporting religious education. For others, it involves investing in facilities or outreach ministries.

Now, as the campaign’s active appeal phase nears its conclusion, diocesan leaders are inviting parishioners to finish strong. For those who haven’t yet pledged, this Christmas season is the perfect time. For those who have already given, a one-time gift in the spirit of the Magi carries meaning beyond its dollar amount. Each offering is a commitment to Catholic education and faith formation.

The Magi’s gifts may not seem practical for a newborn, yet they were deeply symbolic gifts to a king, offered in love and devotion. Likewise, gifts to the campaign are more than financial support. They are acts of faith in God’s work through the Church.

The campaign has already demonstrated what we can achieve when we come together for a worthy cause. The final weeks are critical in determining how fully we can realize Bishop Boyea’s vision for our Catholic schools.

As families gather this Christmas season, the image of the Magi kneeling before the Christ Child invites each of us to ask: What gift will we bring?