WINDSOR TERRACE — The 2021 Catholic Education’s Year of Renewal Summit will be open to the public and take place virtually on Wednesday, April 21, at 7 pm. The event will celebrate local school students, teachers, staff, and parish communities who have made Catholic education possible throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

[Related: Diocese Deems 2021 ‘Year of Renewal for Catholic Education’]

“I believe it’s a turning point and a great time for Catholic education,” said Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, vicar for Development. “Because of the pandemic, people saw the value and importance of Catholic education and how we immediately had classes up and running remotely last March.”

Msgr. Gigantiello added that this event would be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past, highlight the present, and commit to the future of Catholic education.

“And with that comes the responsibility of providing resources that are needed,” Msgr. Gigantiello said. “In this year of the ‘Year of St. Joseph,’ we remember Joseph was the foster father of Jesus.”

He continued, “We’re all called to be foster parents to children who are in need of a good Catholic education.”

Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the Diocese of Brooklyn began engaging in a “Year of Renewal for Catholic Education” in January after being inspired by Pope Francis — who declared 2021 as the “Year of Joseph” in his apostolic letter “Patris Corde.” The overarching goal of the “Year of Renewal” campaign is to strengthen the understanding that Catholic education is evangelization.

During the virtual summit, attendees will hear inspiring stories of success in the Diocese of Brooklyn’s 69 Catholic academies, parish schools, and religious education programs. Bishop DiMarzio will offer the opening prayer and give opening remarks. Msgr. Gigantiello, Msgr. David Cassato, vicar for Catholic Schools, Fr. Joseph Gibino, vicar for Evangelization and Catechesis, and Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools, will also make appearances.

“Our teachers and principals have been so strong, dedicated, and present for their students,” Chadzutko said. “We opened fully in-person in September and, while taking all of the necessary precautions, have supported our students to adjust and push forward in this new world.”

Chadzutko added, “The 2021 Catholic Education’s Year of Renewal Summit will be a special night that will warm your heart.”

For more information, including how to register and attend, visit www.2021yorsummit.eventbrite.com.