Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York celebrated their eighth-grade graduates with special masses marking the close of their elementary school journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in high school.
Students from the Manhattan, Staten Island, Central Westchester, and Bronx regions gathered for dedicated regional Graduation Masses, joining classmates, teachers, principals, and school leaders in prayer and thanksgiving. In the Upper Counties region, school communities celebrated locally, honoring their graduates with the same spirit of faith, gratitude, and joy.
These celebrations offered students an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments, formation, and friendships of their Catholic school years while looking ahead with confidence, hope, and trust in God’s guidance. We congratulate our eighth-grade graduates across the Archdiocese and pray that they continue to grow as faith-filled learners and leaders.
Click the regional links above to see photos and highlights from the Graduation Mass celebrations.
Below: On May 20, 2026, Rev. George Sears, Pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd, and clergy of the parish celebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy for the Manhattan School Region’s eighth-grade Class of 2026 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Below: On May 26, 2026, the Staten Island Catholic School Region gathered at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in prayer and celebration for the graduating eighth-grade students. This special Mass was celebrated by Most Reverend Peter J. Byrne, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, and clergy of the region.
Below: On May 28, 2026, the Central Westchester School Region gathered at St. Eugene Church in Yonkers for the annual 8th Grade Graduation Mass, celebrating the faith, accomplishments, and bright future of our graduating students. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Matthew Fernan, Pastor of St. Eugene Church, together with concelebrating priests from the Central Westchester parishes.
Below: On May 28, 2026, Most Reverend Edmund J. Whalen, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of New York, joined by clergy of the parish and regional schools, celebrated the 8th Grade Graduation Liturgy for students of the Bronx Catholic School Region at the Church of St. Margaret of Cortona–St. Gabriel.
