RESOLUTION NO. 010269

In memory of Retired Bishop John J. Sullivan, who passed away February 11, 2001.

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council are saddened by the death on February 11, 2001, of the Most Reverend John J. Sullivan, Retired Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph; and

WHEREAS, known for his vision, warmth and sense of humor, Bishop Sullivan had been the leader of more than 163,000 Catholics in northern and western Missouri from 1977 until 1993, when Parkinson's disease forced his retirement; and

WHEREAS, initiated by Bishop Sullivan, the local Diocese began to train lay Catholics for greater roles in the Church with the formation of the Center for Pastoral Life & Ministry in 1978, by 1985 a national movement to train lay minsters evolved with the creation of the Institute for Pastoral Life; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Sullivan believed that education offered the best hope for breaking the cycle of poverty, and under his leadership the diocese, corporate and civic leaders established The Central City School Fund in 1989. Since then, The Fund has provided scholarships for more than 5,000 of our communitys most precious resource, our youth, to attend neighborhood Catholic schools; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby express their profound sorrow on the death of Bishop John J. Sullivan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in token of the genuine esteem and respect in which Bishop John J. Sullivan was held, and in token of the deep and sincere sympathy hereby extended to the bereaved family.

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