Senate Resolution No. 2867

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING The Reverend John J. Bradley upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition
by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany on
June 22, 2017

WHEREAS, The spiritual guidance and nurturing of the citizens of the
State of New York is of great importance to the vitality and well-being
of our communities; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to bring full
recognition and just tribute to those men and women of religious
commitment who accept the responsibility of moral leadership and render
the wisdom of human understanding; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend The Reverend John J. Bradley upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Catholic Charities of the Diocese
of Albany to be feted at its Night at the Museum: A Centennial
Celebration on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the New York State Museum in
Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, A native of the West Hills neighborhood in Albany, New
York, Father John J. Bradley is a graduate of Siena College; he was
ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Albany in 1967, and served in
parishes in both Schenectady and Albany; and

WHEREAS, Since June of 1976, Father John J. Bradley has served as
the Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany; in this capacity, he
was instrumental in expanding the concept of the St. Patrick's Soup
Kitchen to a true community center; in 2012, that vision became a
reality with the opening of the Sister Maureen Joyce Center's Livingston
Avenue site; and

WHEREAS, In conjunction with Catholic Charities and Temple Beth
Emeth, Blessed Sacrament Parish operates a Soup Kitchen at that
location; the Sister Maureen Joyce Center initiative also includes a
food pantry at its Sheridan Avenue site, in addition to the one at
Blessed Sacrament, which serves over 300 households a month; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Father John J. Bradley has been a
vital member of various Diocesan and community Board of Directors,
always ready to lend his assistance and gentle advice to the work of
living out the Gospel values; and

WHEREAS, Through his shining example of patience, kindness, good
humor, and concern for the poor, Father John J. Bradley has guided many
young priests on their paths of ministry; and

WHEREAS, Singular in distinction is Father John J. Bradley, whose
service to his church and his people, as well as his involvement in his
community mirror a commitment of compelling dimension; 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 The Reverend John J. Bradley upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Catholic Charities of the Diocese
of Albany on June 22, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Reverend John J. Bradley.