PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Eighth graders graduating from Catholic schools or academies in the Diocese of Brooklyn received final reminders of God’s love from their shepherd, Bishop Robert Brennan.
His message came at this year’s first graduation Mass for eighth graders on May 1 at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph. Several hundred students from 32 schools — joined by teachers, chaperones, administrators, and parish pastors — attended the Mass. A similar congregation was expected on May 8 at the Co-Cathedral, but with 35 schools.
The 2025-2026 school year was the third year in which two Masses were scheduled to accommodate the more than 1,000 students who are destined for high school after completing their elementary-school journeys at Catholic schools in the diocese.
Isabella Guidice from St. Margaret Catholic Academy in Middle Village said the Mass inspired faith.
“It helps us to learn more about God and connect with our faith on a higher level,” said Isabella, who will attend Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood. “It’s going to be sad to leave your class, but also a very exciting experience to get to go and meet new people and continue to grow with your friends.”
Yeshua Garcia of St. Brigid Catholic Academy in Bushwick said the Mass was a wonderful send-off to secondary education. His destination is Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst.
“It feels really good to know that I’ve gone all this way and now we’re going to high school,” Yeshua said. “It’s also kind of scary leaving my school. But going to a different school, learning different stuff, with different classmates — it’s going to be exciting.”
Bishop Brennan delivered a lesson during his homily.
First, he reminded students that God keeps his promises, but that does not guarantee that they won’t experience sadness or suffering in their lives.
“But,” Bishop Brennan added, “what he does promise us is friendship with Jesus Christ. He promises that Jesus will always be with us.
“We’ll never be alone. And he promises us that with Jesus, we will live forever.”
Bishop Brennan’s second point was a reminder of how much the students are loved.
“I hope that you leave here knowing that you are loved beyond belief,” he said. “I’ll say it over and over again: You are loved by God. You are loved by your own families. You’re loved by the people in your school, and you’re loved by your bishop.”
Finally, Bishop Brennan urged the grads to stay connected with the faith. A great way to do that, he said, is through programs offered at Catholic high schools.
But, he noted, all students, including those headed for public schools, can participate in the vibrant youth programs at local parishes. He referred them to a QR code that links users to the organizations.
“We have some amazing youth programs,” Bishop Brennan said. “I’m always amazed when we have youth days; hundreds, even thousands of young people attend. I say it all the time, God is doing amazing things here in Brooklyn and Queens.
“And God’s doing amazing things with you.”
