J 1119: Congratulating Reverend Robert Kelly upon the occasion of his retirement from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County

 Senate Resolution No. 1119 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Reverend Robert Kelly upon the occasion of his retirement from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County 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 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 Reverend Robert Kelly, upon the occasion of his retirement from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County, to be celebrated at Woods Valley Ski Resort in Westernville, New York, on Sunday, June 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, Robert Kelly was born and educated in Syracuse, New York; he studied for two years at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania, and received his Bachelor of Arts from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, New York, in 1973; and WHEREAS, Furthering his education, Robert Kelly received his master's degree in theology from the KU Leuven in Belgium in 1977, residing there at the American College for four years; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has served as Associate Pastor in Camillus, Endwell, and DeWitt and as Pastor at blessed Sacrament in Utica from 1994-2004, the linked parish of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Rome since 2004, and St. Joseph's Church in Lee Center since 2014; and WHEREAS, On October 15, 1997, Reverend Robert Kelly was ordained to the priesthood; and WHEREAS, In his retirement, Reverend Robert Kelly will reside in Syracuse where he will continue to enjoy his hobbies, including travel, swimming, and gardening; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has brought to his ministry an overwhelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and enlightenment while conducting his administrative and spiritual duties, always displaying the highest standards of personal and professional integrity and dedication; and WHEREAS, Reverend Robert Kelly has always given guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has ministered 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 congratulate Reverend Robert Kelly, upon the occasion of his retirement from the Priesthood after 31 years of pastoral service to Oneida County, noting his unremitting and compassionate faith and his exemplary service to God, man, and his community, and extending to him the heartfelt best wishes of this Legislative Body for a future of purposeful success and well-being; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Reverend Robert Kelly.