Honor Reverend John J. Bradley

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.