Today, the members of the Greenburh Town Board (Councilmembers Francis Sheehan, Diana Juettner, Kevin Morgan, Ken Jones and I) honored a very special man who has made a major difference in the lives of hundreds-probably thousands of people. We cut a ribbon and officially bestowed the honorary designation of Lawton Avenue at its intersection with Central Park Avenue, the location of Sacred Heart Church, “REV. MSGR. PATRICK J. CARNEY WAY”. A photo of the ribbon cutting ceremony with Rev. Msgr. Carney is attached.
Patrick Carney was ordained as a priest by Cardinal Spellman 62 years ago when he was 25 years old. In 1998 Msgr. Carney found a home in Sacred Heart as its pastor, and completed 16 years as pastor in June, 2014.
During his service to the Sacred Heart community the Msgr. increased parishioner interactions to promote participation and collaboration and he involved congregants in the decision making processes of the church. He initiated parish-building coffee hours, annual St. Patrick/ St. Joseph gatherings, a successful building fund drive, a major renovation of the church in 2003, guided parish trips to other countries, a weekly lecture series, weekly Spanish-speaking masses he personally celebrates, collaboration with the nearby Korean Church. He always treated the problems of his congregants as if they were his own --and helped many people during his tenure.
Our community is very lucky to have benefitted from the leadership of Rev. Msgr. Carney. We wish him continued good health and happiness.
PAUL FEINER