LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of St.
Dominic's R.C. Church of Brooklyn, New York, to be celebrated on June
24, 2012

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
40th Anniversary of St. Dominic's R.C. Church of Brooklyn, New York, to
be celebrated at a Dinner Dance on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at Gargiulo's
Restaurant, in Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Saint Dominic's Parish was formed 40 years ago on June 19,
1972, with the approval of Bishop Francis J. Mugavero; the founding
pastor was Father Dominic J. Schiraldi; and
WHEREAS, St. Dominic's R.C. Church was created on the dividing line of
three parishes: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Mary Mother of Jesus and
Saint Athanasius; the Parish was formed in response to the growing
number of Italian immigrants to the area; and
WHEREAS, On the Eve of Palm Sunday, March 22, 1975, Saint Dominic's
Church opened its doors to 1,200 parishioners who had prayed and sacri-
ficed for its existence; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Saint Dominic's has been guided by committed
Pastors; succeeding Father Dominic J. Schiraldi (1972 - 1978) were
Monsignor Dino M. Zeni (1978 - 1989), Father Arthur G. Minichello (1989
- 1999), Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano (1999 - 2003) and Father Gaeta-
no J. Sbordone (2003 - 2009); and
WHEREAS, Since 2009, Father John Tino has continued as Pastor to
ensure that the parish continues to serve the spiritual and pastoral
needs of the people of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, St. Dominic's R.C. Church opened its doors to
Hispanic immigrants, and the first Spanish Mass was celebrated; since
then, the Hispanic Community has become an integral part of parish life;
and
WHEREAS, In addition to its Sacramental and Devotional offerings,
Saint Dominic's Parish has a strong Faith Formation Program for Children
and Adults; and
WHEREAS, There is also a pastoral presence to the sick and the home-
bound, outreach to the needy, social gatherings, a strong Youth Group, a
Men's Club, the Young at Heart, and a Scouting program; and
WHEREAS, St. Dominic's R.C. Church stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of St. Dominic's R.C. Church of Brook-
lyn, New York, fully confident that this commemoration reflects the
belief in those values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to St. Dominic's R.C. Church, Brooklyn, New York.