LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition in honor of his
continued contributions to society by the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic
Community on May 18, 2010

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Monsignor
David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition in honor of his continued contributions to society by the Sisters
of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community at its Evening of Mercy to be held on
Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at the Yale Club of New York City; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor David L. Cassato was born in Brooklyn, New York,
and attended Holy Family Elementary School and Saint John's Preparatory;
and
WHEREAS, At a very young age, Monsignor David L. Cassato became
convinced that he would devote his life to "God and God's people"; after
high school, he attended Cathedral College of the immaculate Conception
and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy; he then went on to
Our Lady of the Angels Seminary and earned his Master of Divinity
degree; and
WHEREAS, On May 27, 1972, Monsignor David L. Cassato was ordained a
priest; his first mass was celebrated at Holy Family, the place where it
all began; he was then appointed to Saint Rita's in Long Island City
where, as assistant pastor, he had an active part in the development of
many parish programs; he served for 13 years in this capacity, which
proved to be a valuable training ground for the responsibilities he was
to assume in coming years; and
WHEREAS, In January 1985, Bishop Francis J. Mugavero chose Monsignor
David L. Cassato to become Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
located in Williamsburg/Greenpoint; less than a year later he was asked
to become the next Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel; and
WHEREAS, While Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Monsignor David L.
Cassato developed a diversified youth program, a drop-in center for
teenagers, a summer camp program for youngsters, a retreat program for
young adults, activities for senior citizens and regular visits to shut-
ins in the parish, together with active participation in community
affairs; and
WHEREAS, On Monday April 25, 1988, Bishop Mugavero notified Father
Cassato that our Holy Father Pope John Paul II, had made him a Domestic
Prelate of Honor, "Monsignor"; and
WHEREAS, On September 14, 1998, Bishop Daily appointed Monsignor David
L. Cassato Administrator of the Parish of Annunciation, believing he
would bring new life to the parish; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor David L. Cassato was appointed New York City Police
Chaplain on June 16, 2001, and on November 1, 2001, he was assigned as
Pastor to the parish of St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, In May 2002, Monsignor David L. Cassato earned a Master of
Science degree in Education with a focus on Administration and Super-
vision from Mercy College; and

WHEREAS, Monsignor David L. Cassato has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming 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, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered 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
commend Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation
for special recognition in honor of his continued contributions to soci-
ety by the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Monsignor David L. Cassato.