Senate Resolution No. 1818

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Father David J. Orzel upon the
occasion of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his
Ordination to the Priesthood on September 15, 2019

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 custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish
themselves and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and
preeminence of service; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Father David J. Orzel upon the occasion of the 40th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood to be celebrated on the
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sunday, September 15, 2019; and

WHEREAS, David J. Orzel grew up in North Syracuse, New York, where
he attended St. Rose School; during this time, the Franciscan nuns who
taught there had a great influence on his life, beginning his path to a
possible religious life; and

WHEREAS, While working at the Human Rights Commission during the
summers in Syracuse, New York, David J. Orzel became part of a
supportive group which helped lead him to his decision to become a
priest; after graduating from St. Michael's College in Vermont, he
attended St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester,
New York; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Father David J. Orzel
spent a year and a half as a deacon at St. John the Baptist on
Syracuse's north side managing an evangelization program; it was here he
was ordained into the priesthood on September 15, 1979; and

WHEREAS, Father David J. Orzel's first assignment was with St.
Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton, New York, followed by St. Peter
Roman Catholic Church, and St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Rome, New
York; during this time, he was a Reservist Chaplain at Griffiss Air
Force Base; and

WHEREAS, Father David J. Orzel then served as pastor of St. Joseph
Church in Boonville, New York, where he happily served two terms; his
next assignment was at St. Patrick's Church in Oneida, New York; and

WHEREAS, After a sabbatical, Father David J. Orzel was appointed
administrator, then pastor of St. Peter's Catholic Church in North
Utica, where he continues to serve today; and

WHEREAS, A man with a dry humor, and many interests and passions,
Father David J. Orzel enjoys working with fibers, gardening, cooking,
art, history and geology; 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
congratulate Father David J. Orzel upon the occasion of celebrating the
40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on September 15,
2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Father David J. Orzel.