LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Terry LaValley upon the occa-
sion of being designated as the Bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg by
Pope Benedict XVI on April 30, 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 Reverend
Terry LaValley upon the occasion of being designated as the Bishop of
the Diocese of Ogdensburg by Pope Benedict XVI; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Terry LaValley's Ordination and Installation as the
14th Bishop of Ogdensburg will take place on Friday, April 30, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The second of six children of Ronald (deceased) and Doris
LaValley, Bishop LaValley is a native of Mooers Forks, New York, and was
raised in St. Ann's Parish; he completed his primary and secondary
education at Mooers Central in Mooers, New York, and Northeastern Clin-
ton Central School in Champlain, New York; and
WHEREAS, Bishop LaValley received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of the State of New York and a Certificate of Studies in
Philosophy from Wadhams Hall Seminary-College; prior to his entrance
into Wadhams Hall Seminary-College in January 1983, he proudly served a
six-year tour of duty with the United States Navy; he completed the
Pre-Theology Program at Wadhams Hall in May 1984 and received his Master
of Divinity degree from Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora in May
1988; and
WHEREAS, Bishop LaValley was ordained to the Diaconate on February 27,
1988, and to the Priesthood on September 24, 1988, by Bishop Stanislaus
J. Brzana; upon ordination, he served as deacon and parochial vicar at
the Church of the Sacred Heart in Massena; during this time, he was
named the Associate Secretary of the Marriage Tribunal and was elected
to serve on the Council of Priests; in 1992, he began studies in Canon
Law at St. Paul's University in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, where he was
awarded his M.C.L. and J.C.L. in May 1994; and
WHEREAS, After completing his graduate studies, Bishop LaValley was
named as Administrator of St. Peter's Church in Hammond and St.
Patrick's Church in Rossie and was appointed Adjutant Judicial Vicar; in
1996, he was named Episcopal Vicar for Diocesan Services and Chancellor
of the Diocese of Ogdensburg with residence at Wadhams Hall Seminary-
College; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his diocesan responsibilities, in January
1998, Bishop LaValley was named Pastor of St. Raphael's Church in Heuv-
elton; in June 1999, he became Administrator of St. James Church in
Gouverneur while continuing to serve in his diocesan positions; in June
2000, he returned to St. Raphael's Church in Heuvelton as Pastor and
continued to serve as Episcopal Vicar and Chancellor for Bishop Gerald
M. Barbarito; in July 2003, he became Rector of St. Mary's Cathedral
while retaining his diocesan offices; and
WHEREAS, In August 2004, Bishop-elect LaValley was relieved of his
duties as Episcopal Vicar and Chancellor, and was appointed the Bishop's
delegate to implement and oversee compliance with the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People; in this capacity, he continued
to serve as Chairperson of the Diocesan Review Board; on May 28, 2009,

the College of Consultors elected him as Diocesan Administrator, a posi-
tion he will hold until his Ordination and Installation as Bishop of
Ogdensburg; and
WHEREAS, Bishop LaValley 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 professional 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
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Reverend Terry LaValley upon the occasion of being designated as
the Bishop of the Diocese of Ogdensburg by Pope Benedict XVI, noting his
unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God,
man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes
of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-be-
ing; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bishop Terry LaValley.