LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Mark Connell upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2015 Caritas Award by Catholic Char-
ities Community Services of Orange County

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments, and purposeful lives
of service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Father Mark Connell upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Caritas Award by Catholic Charities Community Services of
Orange County at its 9th Annual Celebration of Charity to be held on
Thursday, March 26, 2015, at Anthony's Pier 9, New Windsor, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Father Mark Connell, Executive Director of San Miguel Acade-
my, in Newburgh, New York, serves as an extraordinary example of one who
demonstrates a deep respect for the dignity of every individual by serv-
ing the basic needs of the most vulnerable in our midst, and by signif-
icantly contributing to the building of a compassionate and just socie-
ty; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Poughkeepsie, New York, Mark Connell grad-
uated from Cathedral College before earning a Master of Divinity degree,
a Master of Arts degree in Theology, and a Doctor of Theology degree
from Drew University; and
WHEREAS, Instilled with a strong desire to help others, Father Mark
Connell began his servitude as a Priest of the Archdioceses of New York
in 1986; for over two years, he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy
Family Church in New Rochelle, New York; and
WHEREAS, Father Mark Connell accepted a faculty position at John F.
Kennedy High School in Somers, New York, from Cardinal John O'Connor;
concurrently, he became a weekend Assistant at both the Church of St.
John and St. Mary in Chappaqua, New York, where he would serve for 27
years; and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Father Mark Connell undertook the esteemed positions
of both Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Mount Saint Mary
College in Newburgh, New York; he was also employed as an Adjunct
Professor in Philosophy and Theology, specializing in the
Jewish/Catholic dialogue; and
WHEREAS, Six year later, education equality became a passion of Father
Mark Connell; he was moved to assist the children of Newburgh with a
meaningful educational option, and proudly assisted in opening the San
Miguel Academy in 2006; and
WHEREAS, Today, this illustrious Academy is pioneering new strategies
for low income urban learners while at the same time creating school
options for under privileged boys; 95 percent of the school's graduates
go on to attend private high schools and boarding schools throughout the
United States; more than 130 families have benefited from a San Miguel
education with more families being added each year; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Father Mark Connell serves as both the Executive
Director of San Miguel Academy and as part-time Assistant to the Mili-
tary Chaplain at West Point; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Father
Mark Connell over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a

long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned our
recognition and applause; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Mark Connell upon the occasion of his designation as recip-
ient of the 2015 Caritas Award by Catholic Charities Community Services
of Orange County; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Mark Connell.