DOUGLASTON — Two eighth graders at Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy tuned up their microphones one last time as they prepared to record the year’s final episode of the school’s podcast, Voices of Divine Wisdom.
Students have been engaged with the podcast since its launch in January, but this time they had a special guest — Bishop Robert Brennan.
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They capped off their middle school journeys with a conversation about faith and leadership, and exploring how they can remain engaged in their faith as they transition to high school.
Bishop Brennan, who hosts his own podcast, “Big City Catholics,” said that ever since he heard that Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy in Douglaston had a podcast, he was eager to make the crossover happen.
“It was very interesting to talk with the young people and be interviewed by them, and they had great questions and great interest,” he said.
“One of the things that we’re very proud of in our Catholic schools is that the schools are about the education and formation of the whole person, to integrate our beliefs as Catholics. … Using this new media is a great opportunity.”
Nicholas Roder and Sofia Starcic, both students at Divine Wisdom since Pre-K, said they felt honored to welcome the bishop to the podcast studio for their final episode before high school.
“I liked how much Bishop Brennan knew that God is always going to be there for us, even when we’re in times of despair,” said Nicholas, who will be attending Xavier High School in the fall. “I definitely want to carry [that message] with me to high school, because I’m going to see all different types of people, and I always want to believe in all of them, because everyone has good in them.”
His classmate, Sofia, will be attending Townsend Harris High School. She said that she drew inspiration from Bishop Brennan on how he remains grounded in times of turbulence, by praying for the intercession of Mother Teresa, among other saints.
“I think that’s some advice everyone can take,” she said. “I’ll take that with me — the reminder to pray a little bit every day, and how small things can go a very long way.
“One little good deed at a time can make the biggest difference.”
Both students remarked on how their experience participating in Voices of Divine Wisdom has made them excited to share their talents with similar clubs and organizations in their respective high schools.
“The podcast is definitely eye-opening,” Nicholas said. “I get to see so many different people and hear about everyone’s stories. Everyone’s so unique and made in God’s image.”
“It’s just so incredible,” Sofia added. “This is such a professional environment, and it’s very nice to interview my peers and my teachers, and to hear their thoughts and opinions on things that we’re doing around here.”
Miriam Bonici, principal of Divine Wisdom, said that in addition to keeping the school community informed, these kinds of positive experiences are exactly what inspired the formation of the school’s podcast.
In terms of next year, Bonici told The Tablet that plans are underway to expand the podcast to more students, and she already has a long waiting list of students eager to participate.
“We’re going to be thinking about topics that relate to different age groups,” Bonici said. “One of the things that I really want to explore is the use of technology and the effects on different age groups.”
“We also hope to have more guest speakers come in, so that parents can get insights into what they can do at home to help support their kids, to do well in school, and to manage the technology that they have at home,” she added.
Those interested in tuning into the episode, titled “Voices that Inspire: A Conversation with Bishop Brennan on Faith, Families, and Catholic Education,” can tune in to Big City Catholics on June 20. The episode will then be posted to Voices of Divine Wisdom’s Spotify and Apple Music in the days following.
