LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Thomas Wheeland 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
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 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 honor
Father Thomas Wheeland upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anni-
versary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, to be celebrated at the
Celebration of Green Gala on Saturday, March 5, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Elmira, New York, Thomas Wheeland gradu-
ated from St. Bernard's School of Ministry and Theology; and
WHEREAS, Since his ordination on June 4, 1966, Father Thomas Wheeland
has been assigned to four churches within the Rochester community; and
WHEREAS, Father Thomas Wheeland has been the Pastor of Holy Cross
Parish since June of 1982, during which time he has seen the great spir-
it of the parish and has been enriched by the commitment of the people
and parish staff; and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Father Thomas Wheeland welcomes and
embraces technology that will allow Holy Cross to touch as many people
as possible, planning carefully for the future while maintaining the
present; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, his personal passion continues to be the direct
interaction with parishioners in all of their joys, sorrows and healing;
and
WHEREAS, Father Thomas Wheeland truly enjoys the goodness of the
people of Holy Cross and the natural beauty of the area; he serves the
wider community through his involvement with Diocesan committees, his
ministry as Chaplain to the Rochester Police Department, and his
involvement as a member of the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Board of Trus-
tees; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Father Thomas Wheeland has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York are of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of our communities; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to men and women of religious commitment
who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render the wisdom
of human understanding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Thomas Wheeland upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Thomas Wheeland.