LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Patricia Griffith, RSM, LMSW,
D.Min. upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the Sisters of Mercy on May 19, 2015

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 and organizations which
distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and service
to humanity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Sister Patricia Griffith, RSM, LMSW, D.Min. upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy to be cele-
brated at its 16th Annual Evening of Mercy Gala on May 19, 2015, at The
Yale Club of New York City; and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy work passionately to eliminate poverty,
the widespread denial of human rights, the degradation of earth, the
increase in violence and racism, the continued oppression of women, the
abuse of children, the mistreatment of immigrants and the lack of soli-
darity among people and nations; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Griffith earned her bachelor's degree from Brentwood
College and then went on to receive her Master's degrees from both Ford-
ham University, New York City, and Adelphi University, Garden City, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Furthering her education, Sister Patricia Griffith obtained
three Post Graduate Certificates in Moral Theology, Gerontology, and
Non-Profit Management, and most recently earned her Doctorate of Minis-
try; and
WHEREAS, For more than five decades, Sister Patricia Griffith has been
a faithful member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; since 1973,
she has been assisting the poor of Long Island; and
WHEREAS, Sister Patricia Griffith began her career in elementary
education, and after three years moved into parish ministry, establish-
ing a parish hospitality center; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Sister Patricia Griffith co-founded Mercy Haven,
Inc. as a means to respond compassionately and aggressively to the need
for clean, decent and affordable housing for persons living with mental
illness; and
WHEREAS, Today, Sister Patricia Griffith continues to serve as the
Executive Director of Mercy Haven, Inc., which now provides homes for
over 368 participants including 60 children; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization has grown to be a multi-faceted
community resource which includes free legal advocacy, education and
employment skills training, as well as community outreach classes and
seminars; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sister Patricia Griffith, RSM, LMSW, D.Min. upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the Sisters of Mercy on May
19, 2015; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Patricia Griffith, RSM, LMSW, D.Min.