Congratulating Father Tom Durant upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination

Senate Resolution No. 2139

BY: Senator GRIFFO

            congratulating  Father  Tom  Durant  upon  the
        occasion of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of  his
        Ordination

  WHEREAS,  The character and richness of religious and community life
in this noble Empire State  are  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
Father Tom Durant upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th  Anniversary
of his Ordination, to be celebrated in 2026; and

  WHEREAS, Father Tom Durant, originally from Vernon Center, New York,
and  now  residing  in  Whitesboro,  New York, is a passionate religious
leader with a strong  commitment  to  supporting  his  congregation  and
broader community; and

  WHEREAS, In 1976, when Father Tom Durant was ordained, he celebrated
his  first Mass in Oriskany Falls, New York; he later helped to lead St.
Paul's Catholic Church in North Utica, New York, as Pastor; and

  WHEREAS, In the 1970s, Father Tom Durant's home parish, St. Agnes in
Vernon Center, closed and St. Catherine's in Vernon burned down; in  the
aftermath  of  these  losses,  he  learned  firsthand  how  powerful and
essential being a member of a congregation is; and

  WHEREAS,  To  Father  Tom  Durant,  one  of  the  most  notable  and
significant  parts  of the church is the tremendous spirit and love that
radiates within the community; and

  WHEREAS, Father Tom Durant 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, Despite retiring from  his  role  at  St.  Paul's  Catholic
Church,  Father  Tom  Durant  remains committed to service and religious
devotion; and

  WHEREAS, Throughout his lifetime, Father Tom Durant has demonstrated
his unremitting and compassionate faith and  his  exemplary  service  to
God, man, and his community through his daily actions; 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 Father Tom Durant upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of his Ordination; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Father Tom Durant.