By Katie Vasquez
Hundreds of eighth graders from the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered May 1 for a special Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph as they prepare to graduate and move on to high school.
Many of the students have attended Catholic school since kindergarten. As they take the next step, Bishop Robert Brennan encouraged them to carry their Catholic values forward.
Thirty schools from across Brooklyn and Queens were represented at the Mass. The students are set to graduate next month and will attend high schools including Archbishop Molloy High School and Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary.
Despite the transition, students said they are holding on to lessons learned in Catholic school that go beyond academics.
“It helps us prepare as young Catholics going into high school,” said Isabella Guidice, an eighth grader at St. Margaret Catholic Academy. “It helps us grow in our faith and connect with God on a higher level.”
Yeshua Garcia, an eighth grader at St. Brigid Catholic Academy, said he was looking forward to the experience of attending such a large Mass.
“I’m very looking forward to experiencing a different Mass and being with different schools,” Garcia said. “It’s going to be really fun and cool because this Mass is so big and it’s a very different experience.”
Father James Kuroly, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Brooklyn, said the event is aimed at keeping students engaged in their faith.
“It’s an opportunity to keep them connected to the life of the parish and the life of the church,” Kuroly said. “We invite them to continue being part of the many events we have for young people.”
Brennan said the gathering serves as a reminder to students that they are supported in their faith.
“It’s a reminder that they’re loved beyond measure,” Brennan said. “It’s a reminder to stay connected to the church and to rely on that friendship with Jesus Christ.”
The May 1 Mass included about half of the eighth graders in the Diocese of Brooklyn. A second group will celebrate Mass with Brennan on May 8.