Senate Resolution No. 2091

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING The Reverend James Cesta upon the
occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his
Ordination to the Priesthood

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate The
Reverend James Cesta upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, to be celebrated on
Sunday, May 19, 2024; and

WHEREAS, James Cesta was born to Carmen A. and Mary Ann (Tucci)
Cesta in Syracuse, New York, on December 18, 1948; he attended Webster
Elementary School and North High School in Syracuse, graduating in June
of 1966; and

WHEREAS, James Cesta attended the seminary at Wadhams Hall in
Ogdensburg, New York, and St. Bernard's School of Theology and Ministry
in Rochester; he was officially ordained into the Priesthood on May 18,
1974; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, Reverend James Cesta had appointments
to serve the parishioners as an Associate at numerous churches in New
York State: St. John the Baptist Church in Rome; Holy Family Church in
Fairmount; St. Rose of Lima Church in North Syracuse; St. Agatha's
Church in Canastota; Blessed Sacrament Church in Syracuse; and Our Lady
of Good Counsel Church in Endicott; he served as Pastor at St. Joseph's
Church in Oswego; he was also given a special assignment at Knights of
Columbus in Syracuse; and

WHEREAS, After taking a short sabbatical, Reverend James Cesta has
continued his ministry at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament in
Utica, serving as Temporary Administrator and Pastor; additionally, he
has served as Pastor at St. Anthony & St. Agnes in Utica; and

WHEREAS, Reverend James Cesta 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 James Cesta 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 The Reverend James Cesta upon the occasion of celebrating
the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, 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 The Reverend James Cesta.