LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the St. Mark Rosary Society upon the
occasion of its designation by the St. Mark Parish Community as the
recipient of the inaugural St. Mark Cenacle Award at its Annual Steward-
ship Recognition Dinner on February 13, 2010

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in New York State are greatly
enriched by the faithful and generous service of those who devote them-
selves to endeavors of family, faith, and community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals of such magnanimous conduct and bearing who demon-
strate a deep and continuing concern for others, and in so doing,
inspire others to do the same; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor
the Rosary Society and its members, past and present, upon the occasion
of the Society's designation by the St. Mark Parish Community as the
recipient of the inaugural St. Mark Cenacle Award at its Annual Steward-
ship Recognition Dinner, to be held at Brooklyn's Gargiulo's Restaurant
on Saturday, February 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Serving the Catholic faithful of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn,
St. Mark Parish is a community of long-standing repute and exemplary
accomplishment; at its Annual Stewardship Recognition Dinner, it proudly
recognizes those who exemplify its ideals and have helped to further its
mission; and
WHEREAS, As St. Mark Church approaches its Sesquicentennial in the
year 2011, the parish community is now beginning the 150th Anniversary
Year of Prayer and Renewal and, in establishing the St. Mark Cenacle
Award recognizes that prayer, in each of its blessed forms, is both the
heart of one's relationship to God and also a realization of that same
loving relationship; and
WHEREAS, Named with the Cenacle Room, where Christ and his disciples
had the Last Supper, in mind, the St. Mark Cenacle Award is presented in
recognition of the prayerfulness of those who give witness to God's love
for us; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that the Rosary Society, the parish's
longest-serving pastoral organization, is being honored with the first
St. Mark Cenacle Award; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1945, the St. Mark Rosary Society is, this year,
proudly celebrating its 65th Anniversary; initially known as the Altar
Rosary Society, its original purpose was to care for the altar linens
used for the daily and Sunday masses; a more spiritual and prayerful
mission was soon developed and annual retreats at Coeur Maria Retreat
House in Sag Harbor were introduced; and
WHEREAS, Over time, the mission of the Rosary Society evolved into an
effort to instill in its members a greater awareness of their spiritual-
ity and heritage and to serve the parish and the community in a variety
of ways; and
WHEREAS, Early on the Society established a "Sick Committee" which saw
to it that the homebound and the ill of the parish were remembered with
prayers and greetings; it also introduced a Junior Rosarians group and
was instrumental in the establishment of the monthly 9:30 Sunday Mass
and Meeting enjoyed by many in the parish; and
WHEREAS, The Rosary Society was, in addition, asked to help the parish
provide greater social opportunities for parishioners as well as funds
to help support the many parish programs which were growing and flour-
ishing; and

WHEREAS, Some activities initiated by the Rosary Society, such as the
St. Mark Card Party continue to this day; some, such as the Fashion
Shows sponsored by Sheepshead Bay Road shops, were held for a time,
while many others, of both a spiritual and fundraising nature, including
the May Crowning, Communion Breakfasts, Society Dinners at area restau-
rants, the December Christmas Party, and the Annual Spring Raffle, which
serves as the cornerstone of the Parish Family Day each first Sunday in
May, have become Society and parish traditions; and
WHEREAS, The St. Mark Rosary Society may be justly proud of its 65
year history of support of the parish's needs, of its care of fellow
parishioners, and of the special sisterhood it fosters which has nour-
ished life-long friendships; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to the members of the Rosary Society for their dedication and
service to their community, faith and heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the members of the Rosary Society, past and present, upon the
occasion of the Society's designation by the St. Mark Parish Community
as the recipient of the inaugural St. Mark Cenacle Award at its Annual
Stewardship Recognition Dinner on February 13, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the St. Mark Rosary Society.