Senate Resolution No. 1295

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien upon the
occasion of his 30th Pastoral Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien upon the occasion of his 30th Pastoral
Anniversary on June 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Sean P. O'Brien was born in Binghamton, New York in 1965 to
John Francis O'Brien and Donna O'Brien, and graduated from Vestal Senior
High School in 1983; and

WHEREAS, After studying to become a radio announcer at Herkimer
County Community College, Sean P. O'Brien applied to seminary and was
accepted by the Diocese of Syracuse; after three years at Wadhams Hall
in Ogdensburg, New York, he finished Major Seminary at St. Mary's in
Baltimore, Maryland, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1993;
and

WHEREAS, Currently, Father Sean P. O'Brien is the pastor of St.
Peter's Church, the Faith Community of St. Mary's/St. Peter's, in Rome,
New York; and

WHEREAS, The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien's previous diocesan
assignments include: Our Lady of Lourdes, Utica, NY from 1993-1998; St.
Patrick's Church, Forestport, NY and St. Mary of the Snows, Otter Lake,
NY from 1998-2002; Christ Our Light in Pulaski, NY from 2003-2009;
Christ Our Hope Catholic Community of Northern Oneida County, from
2009-2014; St. Matthew's, East Syracuse/St. Mary's, Minoa/St. Francis
of Assisi, Bridgeport, NY from 2015-2019; and

WHEREAS, With dedication and devotion to making a difference, Sean
P. O'Brien joined the Navy in May of 1991; his Reserve assignments
include: Naval Hospital Oakland, Strike Fleet, Submarine Squadron
Support Unit in New London, CT; 5th Fleet in the Arabian Gulf; NMCB 27,
25th Marines, 7th Naval Construction Regiment, 4th Marine Air Wing,
Command Naval Installation Command, Washington DC and Military Sealift
Command; Father Sean P. O'Brien retired from the Navy in October of
2020, with the rank of Captain; and

WHEREAS, Sean P. O'Brien's mobilizations/deployments include: Ground
Zero (NYC) 2001; Operation Iraqi Freedom 2002-2003; Operation Enduring
Freedom (CJTF-82 Afghanistan) 2007; CJTF-HOA (Horn of Africa) 2014-2015;
and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Sean P.
O'Brien has received the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service
Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Commendation Medal

and Navy Achievement Medal (3 awards) throughout the course of his
service; and

WHEREAS, In January of 2022, The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien was
appointed Vicar Forane (V.F.), previously referred as "Regional Vicar,"
for Region IV of the Syracuse Diocese by Bishop Douglas J. Lucia; Region
IV covers Boonville, Camden, Canastota, Forestport, Hamilton, Holland
Patent, Lee Center, Marcy, Morrisville, North Bay, Oneida, Oriskany
Falls, Otter Lake, Rome, Sherrill, Sylvan Beach, Taberg, Vernon, Verona,
and Waterville, New York; 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
honor The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien upon the occasion of his 30th
Pastoral Anniversary on June 5, 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the The Reverend Sean P. O'Brien.