2012 -- H 8241

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LC02781

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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2012

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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING FATHER CHARLES DOWNING ON HIS RETIREMENT

     Introduced By: Representatives Morgan, Serpa, and Nunes

     Date Introduced: June 05, 2012

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, All too often those people who contribute to society the most are among the

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least recognized. Their life’s work touches many, while their characteristic modesty and

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emphasis on the needs of others mean that these gifts are given with no expectation of reward or

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reciprocation; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Charles Downing, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in West Warwick, is

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one such wonderful individual. He has spent his life reaching out to people in need and providing

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encouragement, both one-on-one and from the altar. His kind, uplifting, and profound words

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have led many to a more fulfilling spiritual existence; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Downing was ordained into the priesthood after completing his

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theological training at the American College of the University of Louvain in Belgium in 1965.

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Father Downing was then appointed as a teacher at Our Lady of Providence High School

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Seminary, where for over twenty-five years he influenced young men who went on to embrace

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the priesthood and other vocations; and

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     WHEREAS, Following the 1989 closing of Our Lady of Providence, Father Downing

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was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in West Warwick, where he has served as a faithful

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leader for twenty-three years; and

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     WHEREAS, In addition to providing his many parishioners with leadership and spiritual

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guidance, Father Downing has also proven to be a dynamic force within the community. During

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his time as pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, his ability to earn the confidence of his parishioners has

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allowed him to spearhead a number of improvements. These changes have been possible due to

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Father Downing’s financial prowess, a characteristic not typically associated with men of the

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cloth. When he was initially appointed pastor, St. Joseph’s was in financial debt. Through the

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generosity of parishioners and Father Downing’s vision and hard work, the debt was paid off and

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the parish is now operating with surpluses; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Downing was also responsible for a 2002 addition to St. Joseph’s

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School, for expanding the amount of land owned by the parish, and for a series of enhancements

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to the church, including new floors, carpeting, an organ, and church bells that were introduced on

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Thanksgiving morning. Under Father Charles’ leadership, St. Joseph’s School has flourished.

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The thriving school leads the Pawtuxet Valley in the field of Catholic education; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Charles is leaving St. Joseph’s Church as one of the most financially

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stable parishes in the diocese, with a school that acts as a beacon for the Catholic faith. Perhaps

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his greatest legacy is a congregation that is united and supportive of the mission of the Church,

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that is deeply devoted to Catholic values, and that is ready for even more growth as a result of his

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inspired leadership; and

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     WHEREAS, Father Downing has spent his life in devout service to God. Through that

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unification, he has served and blessed the faithful, enriched the spiritual lives of many Rhode

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Islanders, and earned our respect and admiration for his devotion and accomplishments; now,

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therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

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Providence Plantations hereby congratulates Father Charles Downing on his selfless and

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dedicated service to Saint Joseph’s Church. We wish him the very best health, future happiness,

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and continued success in his new ventures; and be it further

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     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Father Charles Downing.

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LC02781

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