LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Erwin H. Schweigardt upon the
occasion of his retirement as Pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Church in
Albany, New York, after more than 30 years of dedicated service in the
priesthood

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Father Erwin H. Schweigardt upon the occasion of his retirement as
Pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Church in Albany, New York, after more
than 30 years of dedicated service in the priesthood; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Capital District, Father Erwin H. Schweigardt
graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1957, and received a Bach-
elor of Arts degree from Manhattan College, a Master of Science degree
from Fordham University and a Ph.D. from Catholic University of America;
and
WHEREAS, Following his ordination in 1967, Father Erwin H. Schweigardt
served at Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy and Saint John's Academy in
Rensselaer; he later worked for the Catholic Schools Office of the Dioc-
ese of Albany, where he was the Director of Educational Research for the
Diocesan School Board, District Superintendent of Schools and Assistant
Director of Continuing Clerical Education, and the Campus Ministry at
Union College; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Father Erwin H. Schweigardt began his parish minis-
try at the Saint Patrick's Church in Watervliet, where he served for 25
years before being named the Pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Church in
Albany; and
WHEREAS, A member of the Board of Catholic Charities of Rensselaer and
Albany Counties from 1982 to 2005, Father Erwin H. Schweigardt has been
an advisor to the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at RPI since 1984, helped
found Schenectady Hospice in 1979 and St. Peter's Hospice in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Father Erwin H. Schweigardt brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all, Father Erwin H.
Schweigardt will be remembered for always giving enlightenment, guidance
and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and administering abundant-
ly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal needs of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Erwin H. Schweigardt upon the occasion of his retirement as
Pastor of St. Margaret Mary's Church in Albany, New York, after more
than 30 years of dedicated service in the priesthood, noting his
unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God,

man, and his community, and extending to him its heartfelt best wishes
for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Erwin H. Schweigardt.