By Deacon Philip Franco
While many thousands of teens in the Diocese of Brooklyn will spend a portion of their summer descending upon the famed Queens Center Mall on Queens Boulevard, some will go just a few steps further. A few steps further toward greatness …
Just behind the mall sits the hidden gem of the Diocese of Brooklyn: Cathedral Prep and Seminary. For over 100 years, young men have been formed intellectually and spiritually in this small powerhouse of faith and education. The senior class that just departed the beloved school earned more than $9 million in college scholarships as they will now take what they have learned to prestigious universities all over the nation. While they move on with the gift of Cathedral formation and memories, many other young men will be setting foot in Cathedral for the first time.
That is because each year, young men entering grades seven and eight enjoy the unique experience of the Father Troike Leadership Program, now running at Cathedral Prep for more than 50 years. The summer program, which begins on July 5, is a blend of academics, and preparation for high school and the TACHS exam. Add to this a generous helping of sports, activities, games and brotherhood, and you have a one-of-a kind program that is very popular with the young men who attend.
Of course, it would not be Cathedral without a strong Catholic identity and an optional daily Mass as well. Neither summer camp nor summer school, the Father Troike Program encourages young men toward leadership and greatness through service, intellectual formation, prayer and fraternity. There is something for every young man who attends.
Extremely affordable at only $500 for the entire month of July (July 5-27), Troike offers young men an invaluable glimpse of high school life and academics, helps them to meet new friends, and introduces them to Catholic leadership skills and spirituality. The high number of current Cathedral students who volunteer to work in the program demonstrates the positive effect this great summer program continues to have. Having attended and now aged out of the program, these current high school students love the program so much, they return as counselors each year.
Anthony Leone will be a senior in September, and he credits the Troike program with his love for Cathedral as well as his success in high school.
“The Troike program was the building block of my love for Cathedral,” he said. “The Program made me a better man in the classroom, on the sports field and in the chapel. It began my journey in becoming a man for greatness.” Anthony is one of the men who give back as a counselor.
For more information about the summer program, which is filling up quickly, call 718-592-6800, ext. 137. Space is limited, but the potential for greatness is not!
Deacon Franco is a member of the faculty at Cathedral Prep and Seminary.
