by The Tablet Staff

BENSONHURST — Students at St. Athanasius Catholic Academy were welcomed with a big surprise on their first day of school, Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Bishop Robert Brennan greeted students who were arriving at the Bensonhurst school to mark the first day of classes for Catholic schools and academies in Brooklyn and Queens.

Bishop Brennan was joined by Principal Diane Competello in welcoming the students, teachers, and parents back to school for the 2023-2024 academic year in the schoolyard. 

The bishop then led the morning prayer after students settled into their classrooms.

St. Athanasius holds classes for students in pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. It is among the 84 schools that call the Diocese of Brooklyn home.

There are a total of 69 Catholic elementary schools and academies, and 15 high schools, with an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students. Deacon Kevin McCormack is the superintendent for schools in the diocese.  

For more information on the Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens, visit catholicschoolsbq.org.