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.