LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Sister Maureen Joyce upon the occasion
of receiving the Centennial Medal from Catholic Charities USA

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 practice of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish them-
selves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preemi-
nence 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
Sister Maureen Joyce upon the occasion of receiving the Centennial Medal
from Catholic Charities USA; and
WHEREAS, The Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal recognizes the
valuable contributions of individuals and organizations to the reduction
of poverty in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her life of service, Sister Maureen Joyce has
continuously displayed an extraordinary commitment to the vision and
mission of Catholic Charities USA and consequently has been selected for
this most prestigious honor; and
WHEREAS, For the past 20 years, Sister Maureen Joyce has served as the
Diocesan Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Albany, work-
ing on behalf of the poor, the homeless, immigrants and people suffering
from HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Sister Maureen Joyce, a living testament to the mission of
Catholic Charities USA, has been instrumental in establishing two inno-
vative networks reflective of the needs of contemporary society: a
health alliance partnering with parishes, schools, Catholic Charities,
hospitals and long term care facilities and a public policy education
network addressing political responsibility and advocacy for the poor;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to receiving the Centennial Medal, Sister Maureen
Joyce is also the recipient of the 2010 Bishop Francis J. Mugavero Award
presented by the New York State Council of Catholic Charities Directors;
and
WHEREAS, Named after its first recipient, the Bishop Francis J.
Mugavero Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant and
sustained contribution to the work of charity and social justice on a
statewide and national level; and
WHEREAS, Sister Maureen Joyce has provided outstanding leadership to
Albany Catholic Charities and the New York State Council of Catholic
Charities Directors for more than three decades; and
WHEREAS, Initially, Sister Maureen Joyce was involved with the New
York State Catholic Conference as an expert on the provision of services
to pregnant teenagers; she joined the Council in August of 1990, when
she was appointed Diocesan Director for Catholic Charities for the Dioc-
ese of Albany; she served as Chairperson of the Council from 1993 to
1999; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Sister Maureen Joyce has made a tremendous impact
on the New York State political scene and is among the most highly
respected advocates for those in need; described by her fellow directors
as the "heart and soul" of the Council, she has also established a
national reputation as a leader on Social Policy for Catholic Charities
USA; and

WHEREAS, Sister Maureen Joyce has brought to her ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting her administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, This distinguished woman of God has always given enlight-
enment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to her care and has
administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and corporal
needs of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Sister Maureen Joyce upon the occasion of receiving the Centennial
Medal from Catholic Charities USA 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Maureen Joyce.