LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Sister Katherine Graber, RSM and The
Religious Sisters of Mercy upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the Irish American Heritage Museum

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that individuals and
organizations who distinguish themselves in their profession and in
their commitment to their heritage and their community merit the highest
commendation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
commend Sister Katherine Graber, RSM and The Religious Sisters of Mercy
upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition by the
Irish American Heritage Museum; it was celebrated at its 2nd Annual
Governor Hugh L. Carey Awards Dinner, on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at
the Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum is a permanently chartered
not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and telling the
story of the contributions of the Irish people and their culture in
America, inspiring individuals to examine the importance of their own
heritage as part of the American cultural mosaic; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum Award acknowledges those
who exemplify its ideals and help to further its mission; Sister Kathe-
rine Graber and The Religious Sisters of Mercy truly merit such recogni-
tion; and
WHEREAS, The Irish American Heritage Museum proudly recognizes the
achievements of those who reflect in their work the contributions of the
Irish people in America, and who exemplify the Irish spirit of Governor
Hugh L. Carey and the Museum's mission; and
WHEREAS, As a Catholic Laywoman, Catherine McAuley recognized the
needs of people of the poor in early 19th century Ireland, and deter-
mined that she and women like her, could make a difference; and
WHEREAS, In 1827, Mother Catherine McAuley established the First House
of Mercy, a place to shelter and educate women and girls; impressed by
her good works, the Archbishop of Dublin urged her to establish a reli-
gious congregation; and
WHEREAS, In 1831, Mother Catherine McAuley and two companions founded
the Religious Sisters of Mercy, in Dublin, Ireland; they have faithfully
served the global community for more than 180 years; and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy arrived in the United States in 1843;
within 11 years, the sisters founded schools and hospitals across the
country; today, the ministry has expanded to embrace education, health
care, pastoral and social services to hundreds of sites; and
WHEREAS, The Sisters of Mercy have served the Capital Region and all
of New York in many community endeavors such as aiding in the establish-
ment of St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York and spearheading
programs to help the needy, women, and children; and
WHEREAS, Sister Katherine Graber epitomizes the work and dedication of
The Religious Sisters of Mercy; for more than 50 years she has assisted
St. Peter's Hospital and its patients, she has served as the Hospital's
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and currently
serves on the Foundation Board of Trustees; in addition, she has been a
vital member on the Board of Trustees of Maria College; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the
edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Sister Katherine Graber, RSM and The Religious Sisters of Mercy
upon the occasion of their designation for special recognition by the
Irish American Heritage Museum; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sister Katherine Graber, RSM and The Religious Sisters of
Mercy.