With their usual pride and exuberance, the students of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy introduced their community to Pope Francis, and Pope Francis to their community of Woodhaven as the pontiff landed in New York, Sept. 24.

“Our students are very excited about Pope Francis’ arrival!” said Joseph Carpenter, principal. “They have been preparing for his visit for the last couple of weeks. The students and their teachers have worked very hard to make sure that this is a memorable event, as well as a teachable moment.”

Inspired to do something special after of the diocesan schools received “Pope Francis” dolls from the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Catholic Telemedia Network, the school community came up with the idea to have a walk-a-thon type of event.

“Every year the Walk-a-thon is one of the most popular activities with the students, both young and old, because they get to advertise their school in the community. This was a natural extension of that school pride,” Carpenter said.

After celebrating 9 a.m. Mass with the parish on Sept. 24, the students planned to walk down Jamaica Ave. to Forest Pkwy. and along Park Lane South with a student-designed “Pope Mobile” and Pope Francis doll. They also created signs and banners to welcome the Holy Father. When they returned to school, there was to be a brief presentation, and student photographers planned to snap attendees’ pictures with “Pope Francis.”

“We hope many parishioners and Woodhavenites come out to encourage our young people and to share their excitement in Pope Francis’ visit,” said Father Frank Tumino, pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church.