Senate Resolution No. 2552

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer, CSJ upon
the occasion of celebrating her 80th Anniversary as
a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet

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 and organizations
which distinguish themselves through their unremitting commitment and
service to humanity; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer, CSJ upon the occasion of
celebrating her 80th Anniversary as a Sister of St. Joseph of
Carondelet; and

WHEREAS, Born in Chadwicks, New York, and a member of St. Anthony of
Padua Parish, Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer entered the novitiate of the
Sisters of St. Joseph on March 19, 1937; and

WHEREAS, Growing up, Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer attended a rural
school outside of Utica, New York, and first learned of religious life
when, as a seventh-grader, she heard a missionary priest speak; and

WHEREAS, Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer earned a Bachelor's degree in
Science from The College of Saint Rose as well as a Master's degree in
General Science from Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable woman spent 72 years in the ministry of
education in the Syracuse and Albany Dioceses as a teacher,
administrator, and volunteer; and

WHEREAS, In the Syracuse Diocese, Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer taught at
St. John the Baptist School and St. Vincent de Paul School, Syracuse;
St. Patrick's School, Binghamton; and St. Agnes School, Utica; and

WHEREAS, Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer currently resides in Utica with
the Sisters in the Eagle Street Community; she is filled with gratitude
for the gift of her vocation; and

WHEREAS, Singular in distinction is Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer, whose
service to her church and her people, and her involvement in her
community mirror a commitment of compelling dimension; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer, CSJ upon the occasion of
celebrating her 80th Anniversary as a Sister of St. Joseph of
Carondelet; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Sister Mary Ethna Kapfer, CSJ.