As the Diocese of Brooklyn opened its school doors this past week, it started with great hope. However, the start of school was punctuated by the tragic shooting in Minneapolis during an opening-day Mass for Annunciation Catholic School.
Two elementary students were killed, and many others were injured.
As children, teachers, and volunteers assembled for opening day in the Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan and Deacon Kevin McCormack, superintendent of Catholic schools, spoke with Currents News’ anchor Christine Persichette about their thoughts for the upcoming school year.
“Safety has always been a priority in our schools and in our parishes,” Bishop Brennan said, noting the NYPD is very responsive and will “be present in these early days to make sure that things get off to a good start.”
“Our schools are a priority for them,” Bishop Brennan added, and we are really grateful for the good people who are working in partnering with us.”
Deacon McCormack commented on the new law signed by Mayor Eric Adams last winter that allows private schools with more than 150 students to receive funding for security guards.
Deacon McCormack said the funding has helped “virtually all our schools” with security guards, adding a personal note on the opening of this school year.
“I’m confident my grandson, who is starting pre-K in a Catholic school, is going to be taken care of because that’s what we do,” he said.
As in other school year beginnings, Catholic schools are more than institutions — they are communities of faith where families, teachers, and clergy collaborate to guide young people.
The diocese’s partnerships with local authorities and its investment in safety and mental health resources demonstrate a commitment to the common good, reflecting Catholic social teaching.
In an era of uncertainty, Catholic schools offer a stable, values-driven environment where students learn to lead with ideals and authenticity, as Bishop Brennan noted.
Perhaps the most distinctive merit of a Catholic education is its commitment to forming the whole person, including the mind, body, and soul. Catholic schools prioritize the spiritual growth of students, guiding them toward a deeper relationship with God through prayer, sacraments, and service.
Deacon McCormack’s confidence in the Catholic school system reflects this holistic approach. He emphasized that every student is a priority, underscoring the personalized care that Catholic educators provide.
This nurturing environment fosters not only academic and spiritual growth but also emotional well-being, supported by access to mental health professionals in many schools.
Bishop Brennan’s prayer for students and educators on Current News highlights this mission, invoking the intercession of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, whose lives inspire young people to live with joy and authenticity.
This spiritual formation equips students to face life’s challenges with resilience and hope, grounded in the belief that they are loved by God and called to a higher purpose.