LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Saint
Anastasia Parish of Douglaston, New York

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
100th Anniversary of Saint Anastasia Parish of Douglaston, New York; and
WHEREAS, Saint Anastasia is a Roman Catholic Parish which has served
the community of Little Neck and Douglaston since 1915; its mission is
to proclaim the good news of Christ's love through active involvement,
as a Parish community, in works of Charity, Faith, Worship and Justice;
and
WHEREAS, The first Pastor of Saint Anastasia Parish was The Reverend
Francis J. Uleau; he was succeeded by Reverend John Clark who purchased
20 lots, allowing for the creation of the Church-School and Convent; and
WHEREAS, The first mass celebrated in Saint Anastasia's original
church building was on May 18, 1919; years later, a school and
gymnasium/auditorium were completed, and an additional 18 lots were
purchased; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the building intended to be the gymnasium of the
school replaced the original church to become the permanent church for
the parish in 1936; and
WHEREAS, In 1945, Reverend Bohag was succeeded by Reverend George F.
Helfenstein, during which time the convent was built and dedicated to
house 20 sisters who would serve the school; and
WHEREAS, After Reverend Helfenstein's retirement in 1967, he was
replaced by Father William T. Smith; during Reverend William Smith's
tenure, the present rectory was opened in 1967, and provided much-needed
and comfortable living space for the priests of the parish and offices
and meeting rooms for the parishioners; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Michael J. Cantly, S.T.D. succeeded Father Smith in
January of 1983; Monsignor Cantly was succeeded in 2004 by Monsignor
George J. Ryan, S.T.L., MA., who was then succeeded in 2012 by Reverend
Monsignor Anthony F. Sherman, S.T.L.; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous direction of Reverend Monsignor
Anthony F. Sherman, this vital parish stands on the threshold of tomor-
row, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while retain-
ing that spiritual resolve of its founders; 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 100th Anniversary of Saint Anastasia Parish of Dougla-
ston, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Monsignor Anthony F. Sherman, Saint Anastasia
Parish, Douglaston, New York.