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At the start of this school year, I invited each of you to join me in embracing new challenges with trust and anticipation, to step out into the unknown — wherever you encounter it — with a sense of hope and a willingness to change and be changed. Perhaps, today, you can look back on the past school year and see those places where you needed to rise to the occasion or step outside of your comfort zone in order to grow into your fullest and God-given potential. I know it probably wasn’t always easy, but you have all made us so proud. We look not only at your accomplishments but at your kind hearts, generous spirits and deep faith and know that you will be a force for good in a world sorely in need of the best kinds of change-makers.

To our graduates who walked across the stage last month and now stand on the cusp of another new chapter, we encourage you to go forward in hope, trust God’s plan and know that we will be praying for you every step of the way.

Only days after his election, Pope Leo XIV said to young people gathered in Rome and watching from around the world: “Do not be afraid! Accept the invitation of the Church and Christ the Lord!” Those words are especially fitting for you today as you prepare to embark on the next stage of your life, whether it be in college, trade school or the workforce. There will be many challenges, to be sure, but if you remain true to the foundation of faith you’ve been given over these years of Catholic education, it will support and sustain you in the years ahead.

“Do not be afraid!” Those words spoken most recently by Pope Leo XIV are an echo of what we hear in Scripture over and over. We humans are often afraid, because life can be difficult and the future uncertain. Our faith in God reminds us that we live for something greater than anything we see in the world around us. When we remember that, we can move forward with grace, confidence and hope.

My prayer for you is that the days ahead are full of light, love, opportunity and joy. Remember that all of us will remain steadfastly behind you, cheering you on and standing by if ever you should need us. We can’t wait to see what you do next, where you go, who you help and how you grow. Do not be afraid. Be bold, be faithful, be you!  

Dr. Christopher Bott is the Superintendent of Schools for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany.

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