An Open Letter to Governor Paterson and the NYS Legislature
November 13, 2008: Dear Governor Paterson and Members of the Legislature:
As you prepare to return to Albany November 18 for a special session to address the $1.5 billion gap in the current state budget, the New York State Catholic Conference respectfully urges all parties to proceed cautiously and to keep in mind that our state has a legal, moral and ethical obligation to care for the poor and vulnerable. As Article XVII Section 1 of the New York State Constitution states, “The aid, care, and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state...”
Riverhead — Each year, Catholic Charities Immigrant Services hosts a Mass and reception to celebrate the gifts of immigrants to our diocese. This year’s celebration, held November 16 at McGann-Mercy High School here, was filled with joyful singing and dancing, even as those gathered remembered Marcelo Lucero, an Ecuadorian immigrant who was murdered in Patchogue last week.
Patchogue- It was cold and there was a biting wind, but St. Francis de Sales Church here was filled to overflowing Sunday, Nov. 16 as Bishop Peter Libasci celebrated Mass for the Spanish-speaking community in the wake of the murder of Ecuadorean immigrant...
