DENVILLE, NJ — Earlier today, Morris Catholic High School received a gift of $2.5 million to be used towards the construction of a new student health and fitness center on campus. Construction for the planned two-story, 15,000 square foot facility is set to begin construction later this spring. At this time, the donors have opted to remain anonymous.
The new addition will be the first physical add-on to Morris Catholic’s campus since the 1960’s, and the dollar amount is the highest ever received by the school in its 69-year history.
The facility aims to enhance Morris Catholic’s physical education and athletic programs. It will provide modern training space for physical education classes, student strength and conditioning programs, and Crusader athletic teams. This will include new weights, benches, and equipment on the first floor, and an array of treadmills, bikes, and rowing machines on the second floor, along with a space for speed and agility work. The facility is planned to feature a 25-foot tall, all-glass wall will give visitors a spectacular view of the football field below.
In addition to the training facilities, the building will be equipped with exterior restrooms, and a new concessions area to serve those attending the school’s outdoor athletic events.
In regards to the project, the anonymous donors said, “We wanted to make an immediate impact, to prepare our youth for today’s challenges. We were especially interested in providing a high quality, state-of-the-art facility for the Morris Catholic student to thrive physically, mentally, academically, and spiritually, resulting in a truly abundant life.”
This donation comes on the heels of an abundant run of success for several of Morris Catholic’s athletic programs, including the girls basketball team winning three consecutive state titles from 2023-25, and appearing in the finals again in 2026. The football program is also set to improve after last season’s hiring of legendary Morris County coach Dave Albano.
The new facility is seen as a part of Morris Catholic’s recently adopted five-year plan investing in initiatives to strengthen academics, provide broader student opportunities, and help meet the financial aid needs of students and their families.
“Catholic education and Catholic Schools are a great gift to students, families, our Diocese, the whole Church and the wider community. I am always inspired to see acts of sacrificial generosity by donors, by parents making sacrifices for their children’s education, and by the leaders,
faculty, staff, and volunteers in our Catholic Schools,” said Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, leader of the Diocese of Paterson.
