LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Tom Kobuszewski upon the occasion
of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
the Great State of New York is nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their ener-
gies 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 individuals who distinguish themselves and
the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; one such individual is Father Tom Kobuszewski; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Father Tom Kobuszewski upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anni-
versary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and
WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski was born on September 12, 1937, in
Syracuse, New York, to Walter and Mary Kobuszewski; and
WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski attended Sacred Heart grammar school
in Syracuse and later graduated from St. John's Catholic Academy on June
26, 1955; and
WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski found his calling and prepared for the
priesthood by continuing his education at St. Mary's College and Saints
Cyril and Methodius Seminary at Orchard Lake, Michigan; and
WHEREAS, On May 16, 1964, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception in Syracuse, Father Tom Kobuszewski was ordained, beginning
his remarkable journey of priesthood; and
WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski furthered his education in 1974 with
degree programs from Stonewall College and Onondaga Community College,
specializing in course work which focused on the mentally handicapped;
and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his 50 years of priesthood, Father Tom
Kobuszewski has made many significant contributions to the Catholic
Church: (1964-1969) Assistant at St. Mary's of New York Mills,
(1969-1974) Assistant at Sacred Heart in Syracuse, (1974-1976) Assistant
at Transfiguration Church in Syracuse, (1976-1982) Director of Special
Education, (1982-1995) Temporary Associate of Immaculate Heart of Mary
in Liverpool, Administrator for St. Patrick's in Syracuse, and Tran-
sfiguration Church in Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, Today, Father Tom Kobuszewski serves as Pastor of Transfigu-
ration of Our Lord Parish on Teall Avenue in Syracuse; and
WHEREAS, Since becoming a Priest, Father Tom Kobuszewski has excelled
in a variety of special assignments and duties which include serving on
the Executive Committee as Priests CCD Chaplain, Syracuse State School,
and being named Chaplain of Knights of Columbus, Christ the King Council
411, and Associate Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, Central New York
Chapter; and
WHEREAS, Since his arrival at Transfiguration Church in 1999, Father
Tom Kobuszewski has successfully met many challenges; among those often
cited by his parishioners are the refurbishing of the rectory, installa-
tion of a modern communications system and updated computers, implemen-
tation of 40 Hours Devotion to better meet the needs of parishioners,
increased enrollment in weekly Bible study classes; completion of a
handicapped-accessible restroom; and the completion of extensive repairs
and improvements throughout the church grounds; and
WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski has also devoted his life's work to
assisting those who may be ill or grieving the loss of a loved one; and

WHEREAS, Father Tom Kobuszewski has been and continues to be a dedi-
cated, inspirational leader and role model for all members of the commu-
nity during his 50 years of priesthood; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Tom Kobuszewski upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, noting his unremitting
and compassionate faith in his service to God, and his community, and
extending to him the 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 Father Tom Kobuszewski.