LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Father Donald Karlen upon the occasion
of his 50th Anniversary in the Priesthood to be celebrated on May 25,
2014

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 sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition 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 commend Father
Donald Karlen upon the occasion of his 50th Anniversary in the Priest-
hood to be celebrated with a Mass on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at St.
Peter's Church, Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Boonville, New York, Father Donald Karlen gradu-
ated from Boonville Central High School in 1955, and completed his semi-
nary studies at St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminaries in Rochester;
he was ordained a priest on May 16, 1964; and
WHEREAS, Father Donald Karlen has brought to his ministry an over-
whelming spirit of charity and compassion, acting from vision and
enlightenment in conducting his administrative and spiritual duties,
while always displaying the highest standards of personal and profes-
sional integrity and dedication; and
WHEREAS, After his ordination, Father Donald Karlen was Associate
Pastor at St. Mary's in Rome, and served on the faculty at Rome Catholic
High School; in 1967, he took on the role of Associate Pastor at St.
Joseph's in Boonville, and one year later he served as its temporary
administrator; and
WHEREAS, From 1971 to 1973, Father Donald Karlen was the Principal at
Rome Catholic High School, and from 1973 until 1978, he was Associate
Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica, and temporary administrator at
St. Catherine's in Vernon; and
WHEREAS, Father Donald Karlen served as Pastor of St. Joan of Arc in
Morrisville, and from 1984 until 1988, he served as Pastor at St. Paul's
in Norwich, St. Theresa's in New Berlin, as well as Our Lady of the
Valley in Leonardsville, before serving as Pastor at St. Paul's in
Whitesboro; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Father Donald Karlen was the Pastor at St.
Joseph/St. Patrick and St. George in Utica; he then served as Pastor of
Our Lady of Lourdes in Utica until 2002, when he assumed the role of
Pastor at his home parish, St. Joseph's in Boonville; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, one year later, Father Donald Karlen assumed the
pastorates of St. Patrick's in Forestport, and St. Mary of the Snows in
Otter Lake; he served as Regional Vicar of the Eastern Region from 1994
until 2002; and
WHEREAS, Today, Father Donald Karlen is involved in the ministry at
Christ the King Retreat House and The Good News Center in Utica, where
he has directed retreats for priests; he has also conducted parish
missions and assists at various parishes on the weekends; and
WHEREAS, In addition, enjoying the freedom to minister in different
places, Father Donald Karlen has had a special connection to carnival
workers from as far back as the 1970s when he traveled with the Coleman
Brothers Carnivals, offering his assistance and support; he maintained
close friendships with the carnival workers, and now visits 10 to 12
county fairs each year and serves on Booneville County Fair's Board; and

WHEREAS, This distinguished man of God has always given enlightenment,
guidance and wisdom to the many entrusted to his care and has adminis-
tered 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 indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Father Donald Karlen upon the occasion of his 50th Anniversary
in 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 tran-
smitted to Father Donald Karlen.