LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Rosary Society upon the occa-
sion of being honored with the 2010 St. Mark Cenacle Award at the Annual
St. Mark Stewardship Dinner Dance on February 13, 2010

WHEREAS, The quality and character of religious and community life in
New York State is nourished and fulfilled through the concern and
devotion of those who commit their energy and purpose to serving their
church and their community; and
WHEREAS, Individuals, such as the esteemed members of the Rosary Soci-
ety, who give of their time and energy and serve the best interests of
their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and cannot be suffi-
ciently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding organizations and individuals whose endeavors and community
service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues, friends, and
family; and
WHEREAS, The members of the St. Mark Rosary Society have given not
only of their time and energy but also of their competence, intelligence
and leadership, and consequently have been designated for special recog-
nition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Rosary Society upon the occasion of its designation for special
recognition as the recipient of the inaugural St. Mark Cenacle Award;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a Special
Stewardship Liturgy at the Church on Saturday, February 13, 2010,
followed by the Annual St. Mark Stewardship Dinner Dance, to be held at
Gargiulo's Restaurant in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, St. Mark Church is approaching its Sesquicentennial Year in
2011 and the parish community, in beginning the 150th Anniversary Year
of Prayer and Renewal, has established the St. Mark Cenacle Award recog-
nizing 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, the 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, The St. Mark Rosary Society, founded in 1945, 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 developed into
an effort to instill in its members a greater awareness of their spirit-
uality and heritage and to serve the parish and the community in a vari-
ety of ways; and
WHEREAS, Among its worthy endeavors, the Rosary 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, In response, the Rosary Society initiated many activities;
some, such as the St. Mark Card Party continue to this day; others, such
as the Fashion Shows sponsored by Sheepshead Bay Road shops, were held
for a time and still others, of both a spiritual and fundraising nature,
including the May Crowning, Communion Breakfasts, Society Dinners at
area restaurants, 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 lifelong friendships; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to extend its highest commen-
dation to the members of the Rosary Society, past and present, 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
congratulate the Rosary Society upon the occasion of receiving the first
St. Mark Cenacle Award at the Annual St. Mark Stewardship Dinner Dance
on February 13, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rosary Society.