Senate Resolution No. 2538

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMENDING Father Robert Kelly upon the occasion
of his 40th Anniversary to be celebrated on October
15, 2017

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State are nourished and fulfilled through the
faithful concern and selfless devotion of those who commit their
energies and purpose to the ministry of others; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Father
Robert Kelly upon the occasion of his 40th Anniversary to be celebrated
at a party held in his honor on Sunday, October 15, 2017, at the Beeches
Inn & Conference Center in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Father Robert "Bob" Kelly, the Pastor of the linked
parishes of St. Paul in Rome, New York, and St. Joseph, in Lee Center,
New York, was ordained into the priesthood in October of 1977; and

WHEREAS, Prior to this position, Father Bob Kelly served in various
churches in Syracuse, Endwell, DeWitt, Utica, Rome, and Lee Center, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Through the last four decades, Father Bob Kelly has spent a
great deal of time reflecting on the rapid change in the Church's life
and ministry and the evolution of the pastoral ministers due to the
decline in priestly vocations; and

WHEREAS, When he is not at altar or helping someone, Father Bob
Kelly enjoys spending time outdoors, playing golf, hiking and gardening;
he also likes to explore the beautiful earth that God has given all of
us; and

WHEREAS, Father Bob Kelly 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
professional integrity and dedication; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given
enlightenment, guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and
has administered abundantly and unstintingly to the spiritual and
corporal needs of all; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that
individual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Father Robert Kelly upon the occasion of his 40th Anniversary,
noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service
to God, man, and his community, and extending to him heartfelt best
wishes for a future of continued purposeful success and well-being; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Father Robert Kelly.