Honor Priest's 40th Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 1818 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Father David J. Orzel upon the occasion of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on September 15, 2019 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 custom of this Legislative Body to bring full recognition 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 congratulate Father David J. Orzel upon the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood to be celebrated on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sunday, September 15, 2019; and WHEREAS, David J. Orzel grew up in North Syracuse, New York, where he attended St. Rose School; during this time, the Franciscan nuns who taught there had a great influence on his life, beginning his path to a possible religious life; and WHEREAS, While working at the Human Rights Commission during the summers in Syracuse, New York, David J. Orzel became part of a supportive group which helped lead him to his decision to become a priest; after graduating from St. Michael's College in Vermont, he attended St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry in Rochester, New York; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his studies, Father David J. Orzel spent a year and a half as a deacon at St. John the Baptist on Syracuse's north side managing an evangelization program; it was here he was ordained into the priesthood on September 15, 1979; and WHEREAS, Father David J. Orzel's first assignment was with St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton, New York, followed by St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, and St. Paul Roman Catholic Church in Rome, New York; during this time, he was a Reservist Chaplain at Griffiss Air Force Base; and WHEREAS, Father David J. Orzel then served as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Boonville, New York, where he happily served two terms; his next assignment was at St. Patrick's Church in Oneida, New York; and WHEREAS, After a sabbatical, Father David J. Orzel was appointed administrator, then pastor of St. Peter's Catholic Church in North Utica, where he continues to serve today; and WHEREAS, A man with a dry humor, and many interests and passions, Father David J. Orzel enjoys working with fibers, gardening, cooking, art, history and geology; 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 congratulate Father David J. Orzel upon the occasion of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood on September 15,