LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Lawrence G. McTavey upon the
occasion of the 60th 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 Lawrence G. McTavey upon the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of
his Ordination to the Priesthood; and
WHEREAS, A native of South Troy, New York, Father Lawrence G. McTavey
attended St. Joseph's School and graduated from Catholic Central High
School in 1947; he then went into the St. Andrew's minor seminary before
attending Our Lady of Angels Seminary at Niagara University, where he
received a bachelor's degree in 1951; and
WHEREAS, Father Lawrence G. McTavey continued his religious studies
until he was ordained in a ceremony at the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception in Albany, New York, on June 4, 1955; and
WHEREAS, While serving in his first assignment as Associate Pastor at
Sacred Heart Church in Troy, Father Lawrence G. McTavey was a member of
the faculty of his alma mater, Catholic Central High School; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, Father Lawrence G. McTavey served diligently
in several other positions throughout the Diocese of Albany, including
as principal of Cardinal McCloskey High School, until being appointed
pastor of St. Bernard's Church in Cohoes in 1972; and
WHEREAS, Father Lawrence G. McTavey served as pastor of St. Bernard's
Church for 35 years; he faithfully served not only the members of the
parish, but all those throughout the community of Cohoes and the Capital
Region; this spiritual leader ministered to the Catholic schools of the
Albany Diocese including Cohoes Catholic School, Catholic Central High
School, and many others throughout his priesthood; and
WHEREAS, Following his retirement as pastor of St. Bernard's Church in
2007, Father Lawrence G. McTavey has continued his service to the Church
and the community; and
WHEREAS, Father Lawrence G. McTavey has brought to his ministry an
overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all, Father Lawrence
G. McTavey will always be known for giving enlightenment, guidance, and
wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and administering abundantly
and unstintingly to the corporal and spiritual needs of all; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Lawrence G. McTavey upon the occasion of the 60th Anniver-
sary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, noting his unremitting and
compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his
community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes to this Legis-

lative 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 Lawrence G. McTavey.