LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Blessed
Sacrament Church of Brooklyn, New York, on February 14, 2016

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
125th Anniversary of Blessed Sacrament Church of Brooklyn, New York,
observed at an Anniversary Mass on February 14, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Immigrants from Ireland and Germany founded Blessed Sacrament
Church on February 14, 1891; today, the Parish welcomes immigrants from
the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Latin America and South America, as well
as all other parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, Blessed Sacrament Church, under the faithful guidance of
Reverend Francis Shannon, fosters ethnic pride and enhances the profile
of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the church commu-
nity; it celebrates and embraces the customs of its parishioners by
honoring their patron saints with special masses and processions; and
WHEREAS, A robust religious education program is offered at Blessed
Sacrament Church which annually prepares adults and over 600 children to
receive the sacraments; today, nearly 300 children are enrolled in the
parish school; and
WHEREAS, Not just a building, but a true church family, Blessed Sacra-
ment Church helps the needy in the Cypress Hills community by providing
food, offering assistance with financial, immigration and housing
issues, and organizing sports programs for the youth; and
WHEREAS, People riding on the J Train see the steeples of Blessed
Sacrament Church and are moved to visit the church and donate blood,
vote, fill out United States Census forms, and attend community meet-
ings; the tapestry of people from diverse backgrounds connecting and
coming together make up the fabric of the Church family; and
WHEREAS, Blessed Sacrament Church stands on the threshold of tomorrow,
prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retaining
that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 125th Anniversary of Blessed Sacrament Church of Brook-
lyn, New York observed at an Anniversary Mass on February 14, 2016,
fully confident that this commemoration reflects the belief in those
values which enhance the dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Francis Shannon, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Church.