LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham upon the
occasion of his retirement after many years of dedicated service to the
Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens

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 honor Reverend
Joseph L. Cunningham upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Cathedral College, Brooklyn, and St. Mary's
Seminary, Baltimore, Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham was ordained June 1,
1963, by Bishop Byran J. McEntegart at St. James Pro-Cathedral; and
WHEREAS, His priestly assignments have included: associate pastor of
Our Lady of Mercy, Forest Hills, New York, 1963-1966; assistant pastor
of the Diocesan Tribunal, Brooklyn, New York, 1966-1967; executive
secretary of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, Brooklyn, New York,
1968-1979; principal at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary, Elmhurst, New
York, 1979-1984; faculty of St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Boynton Beach,
Florida, 1984-1986; rector of St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, 1986-1991;
and Pastor of St. Gregory the Great, Bellerose, New York, 1991-2012; and
WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of the religious community,
Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham is a member of the Catholic Theological
Society of America and the North American Academy of Liturgy; he has
also served on numerous other boards and committees throughout his
tenure; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham 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
honor Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham upon the occasion of his retirement
after many years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Brooklyn and
Queens, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary
service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heart-
felt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful
success and well-being; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Joseph L. Cunningham.