Honor Monsignor Cassato

Senate Resolution No. 2803 BY: Senator GOLDEN HONORING Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017 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 individuals who 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 honor Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata, to be celebrated on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at El Caribe, Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Monsignor David L. Cassato has continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence, and diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his community and profession and consequently has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and WHEREAS, David L. Cassato was born on September 2, 1947, in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended Holy Family Elementary School and Saint John's Preparatory; and WHEREAS, After high school, David L. Cassato received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Cathedral College of the Immaculate Conception; he went on to earn a Master of Divinity degree from Our Lady of the Angels Seminary and a Master of Science degree in Education with a focus on Administration and Supervision from Mercy College; and WHEREAS, Ordained a priest on May 27, 1972, Father David L. Cassato celebrated his first mass at Holy Family Church, the place where it all began; he was then appointed to Saint Rita's in Long Island City where, as assistant pastor, he had an active part in the development of many parish programs; and WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious tenure, Father David L. Cassato developed a diversified youth program, a drop-in center for teenagers, a summer camp program for local youth, a retreat program for young adults, activities for senior citizens and regular visits to shut ins in the parish; and WHEREAS, In January of 1985, Father David L. Cassato was chosen to become Administrator of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Williamsburg; less than a year later, he accepted the position of the church's Pastor, and his installation Mass took place on December 1, 1985; and WHEREAS, On Monday, April 25, 1988, Father David L. Cassato was designated as a Domestic Prelate of Honor, "Monsignor," by Pope John Paul II; and WHEREAS, A dedicated and committed Shepherd, Monsignor David L. Cassato opened Mount Carmel Academy, a middle school with a full academic schedule, on September 8, 1992; and WHEREAS, In September of 1998, Monsignor David L. Cassato assumed responsibility of St. Vincent DePaul School, and one year later Northside Catholic Academy was born with grades pre-K to five at the St. Vincent site and grades six to eight at the Mount Carmel site; and WHEREAS, Monsignor David L. Cassato was appointed Administrator of the Parish of Annunciation on September 14, 1998; and WHEREAS, On June 16, 2001, Monsignor David L. Cassato was appointed New York City Police Chaplain, and on November 1, 2001, he was assigned as Pastor to the Parish of St. Athanasius in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Monsignor David L. Cassato has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Monsignor David L. Cassato, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Monsignor David L. Cassato upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Associazione Culturale Pugliese Figli Maria SS. Addolorata on June 25, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Monsignor David L. Cassato.