Institute for Catholic Schools Celebrates New School Year at Mass and Luncheon

Representatives from 15 Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY, celebrated the beginning of the new school year at a Mass in St. Thomas More Church on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus on August 22.

This was a wonderful way to kick off the new school year,” said Robert DiNardo, Director, Institute for Catholic Schools. “It was gratifying to see so many presidents, principals, and other administrators from our Catholic high schools come together to celebrate this event.

Most Rev. Robert J. Brennan ’84C, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was the main celebrant. He was assisted by Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese, and Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission, St. John’s University. Bishop Brennan’s homily focused on the importance of Catholic education in students’ lives, as well as the dedication of Catholic educators.

“The liturgy was beautiful, with members of the University’s music ministry and Campus Ministry working together to make it memorable,” said Mr. DiNardo.

The Mass was followed by a luncheon in the D’Angelo Center where Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, University Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair; Dominic Vulpis, Executive Director, New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association, Brooklyn/Queens Diocese; and Deacon McCormack all offered their remarks.  

It is our honor to have Bishop Brennan on campus and to host this event that honors the work of our colleagues in area Catholic high schools,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education, St. John’s University. “It is vital that St. John’s is a good partner with Catholic schools, and we hope to make this an annual event.