By Jessica Easthope
More than 1,000 high school seniors from the Diocese of Brooklyn, all on the brink of the next chapter, gathered March 13 for a graduation Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Heights. Many believe they know what lies ahead.
“I want to be a physician assistant when I get older,” one senior said.
“That’s what I’m thinking, engineering, yeah,” another said.
“I want to be a nurse practitioner or a CRNA,” a student said.
“A speech pathologist,” another said.
“I want to be a doctor,” a senior said.
“A neurosurgeon,” another said.
“Professional soccer player,” a student said.
“I want to be a nurse,” another said.
“I want to be a general practitioner doctor or a pediatrician,” a senior said.
Violet Dutton’s future isn’t as clear.
“When I get older? I have no idea, I’m hoping I’ll figure that out,” Dutton said.
Dutton is headed to Princeton University in the fall — a big jump from the Mary Louis Academy — but one thing is certain: she’s taking her faith with her.
“There’s a lovely chapel on campus, and I also want to get involved in campus ministry and, obviously, meet other people who are also Catholic and obviously learn about new people,” Dutton said.
Not losing ties with your faith was the message Bishop Robert Brennan gave the crowd of teens. In a world that will pull you in different directions, let your Catholic identity be your guide.
“Stay connected,” Bishop Brennan said. “So that the relationship with Christ continues to be nourished and to grow. We need to be able to stick together to encourage each other and also to be a light to the world.”
Some seniors said even if they haven’t yet declared a major, they’re choosing this moment to make a declaration of faith.
“Building a stronger relationship with God, attending church, and trying to build a community around myself with people who influence me to strengthen my faith, because at the end of the day, my goal is to be so filled with the love that God provides for me, that it pours onto others,” senior at Christ the King High School Ashlyn Hernandez said.
With plans or without — these seniors will leave with more than a diploma. They leave with faith, community, and a call to live it out loud.