LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Albany
Council of Catholic Nurses on April 16, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 70th Anniversary of the Albany Council of Catholic Nurses on
Saturday, April 16, 2016, at the Normanside Country Club in Delmar, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Council of Catholic Nurses is a nonprofit organ-
ization with a mission to promote, encourage and advance the spiritual
and professional welfare of others, as well as to promote social
contacts between Christian nurses; and
WHEREAS, On May 20, 1946, the then Albany Diocese Council of Catholic
Nurses held its inaugural meeting with nurses attending from across the
Capital Region; Bishop of Albany Edmund F. Gibbons and Father Pritchard
presided, and the group's mission, motto, constitution and by-laws were
developed and presented; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Diocese Council of Catholic Nurses' initial goal
was to bring together all Catholic nurses in the Albany Diocese as its
members, with each county having a Deanery with a Priest as its Spiritu-
al Director who would hold meetings as needed; and
WHEREAS, During its early years, this esteemed service organization
followed the values stressed by Bishop Gibbons which included Education,
Volunteerism, Support, Social Events and Recruitment; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the members of the Albany Council of Catholic
Nurses rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to their
community, and would often visit the poor and sick in their homes; nurs-
es who performed such services a few hours a month became known as Apos-
tolic Nurses; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Council of Catholic Nurses was associated with the
National Catholic Nurses Association until 1970, when the national
organization folded; in 2015, the council re-established its affiliation
with the National Association of Catholic Nurses-USA; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Albany Council of Catholic Nurses holds numerous
special events including its annual Christmas Banquet which began as a
Christmas party to benefit the girls at St. Anne's Institute; the annual
Summer Picnic is also held in appreciation of the religious sisters; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Albany Council of Catholic Nurses is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by a deep spiritual commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous guidance of President Joan Ribley-Borck,
this remarkable organization will continue to honor the traditions of
its founders, and bring together Christian nurses in a spirit of charity
for many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Albany Council of Catholic Nurs-
es on April 16, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joan Ribley-Borck, President, Albany Council of Catholic
Nurses.