Bishop Brennan Welcomes Students During Catholic Schools Week
by Paula Katinas, Senior Reporter
DOUGLASTON — Bishop Robert Brennan smiled as he used drumsticks to bang out a rhythm, but the shepherd of the Diocese of Brooklyn isn’t planning to join a rock band anytime soon.
He also wasn’t the only one with drumsticks in his hands.
Bishop Brennan was observing a music class for kindergarten students at Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy in Douglaston on the morning of Jan. 27 when teacher Anthony Russo invited him to join in as the children were learning to keep rhythm.
The music room was just one stop that Bishop Brennan made during a tour of the school to mark Catholic Schools Week.
Escorted by Principal Miriam Bonici, he saw the STEM lab, enjoyed a hip-hop dance performance by fifth graders, visited a third grade class, and spent time in an English/Language Arts class. He also met with eighth graders from the Pope Francis Society, a club where students get together to perform charitable works.
Bishop Brennan was impressed with what he saw and heard, particularly with the students who generously gave their time to help others.
“You see how they’re learning about their faith. They’re putting it into practice in very tangible ways and having a bit of fun doing it,” Bishop Brennan said. “They see that doing good is a good thing to do.”
Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy was the first of several schools Bishop Brennan visited for Catholic Schools Week.
The theme of Catholic Schools Week 2025 is “United in Faith and Community,” which Bonici said the academy lives out year-round.
“We are really committed to teaching our kids about sharing kindness and the impact that we can make in other people’s lives by doing kind things, whether it’s in our school or our local community,” Bonici said.
According to the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, there are 65 Catholic elementary schools and 15 Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Nationwide, there are 5,636 Catholic elementary schools — 29.4% of them in urban areas — according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Eighth grader Luca Trupia, a member of the Pope Francis Society who had a chance to speak with Bishop Brennan, said it was “really cool” having the opportunity to tell him about “all of the good deeds” the students are working on. Luca also noted the chance to help others is one of the best things about the academy.
“There’s a lot of good deeds you can do around the school,” he said. “What’s great is that it makes you a better person, and you feel great about yourself doing it.”
Sofia Starcic, an eighth grader and president of the student council, said meeting Bishop Brennan was very exciting and a great opportunity. She added she will carry many of the lessons she has learned at the academy with her throughout her life.
“I love how they’re just so committed to really teaching you the lessons and making sure that you truly understand how these lessons apply to you in your life,” Sofia said.
Bishop Brennan said the strength of Catholic schools in the diocese stems from the fact that they focus on faith first and foremost.
“I’m very proud of our schools and academies,” Bishop Brennan said. “We are forming people of faith to know Jesus Christ and to be able to live the gospel joyfully.”
