By Ed O’Brien
Ed O’Brien and Cardinal Dolan
I’ve been involved with the Archdiocese of New York from the beginning of my time here on Earth. I was baptized at St. Raymond’s Church in the Bronx and attended grammar school at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scarsdale, New York, where I also served as an altar boy. After attending Fordham Preparatory School and Fordham University, I moved into the city and have been a parishioner of St. Monica and St. Ignatius Loyola. I regularly attend and altar serve at Cardinal Dolan’s 7 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Over the years, the Archdiocese of New York has afforded me many memorable experiences. It’s a pleasure attending Mass and listening to the wonderful sermons given by our very impressive priests. I was fortunate to attend Vespers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during Pope Francis’ visit in September 2015. I was also able to attend the consistory in February 2012 in Rome when Cardinal Dolan was made a cardinal.
As founding chair of the Leadership Committee for the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal, I traveled throughout the archdiocese and witnessed the far-reaching good works of our Church and its initiatives. The care provided to senior priests, the accomplishments of the students in our schools, and the assistance provided to the sick and elderly are very impressive.
I have been a donor to archdiocesan initiatives for many years, including the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal, Inner City Scholarship Fund, St. Patrick’s Cathedral Landmark Restoration, and the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation. Currently, I serve as a member of the Investment Committee. I contribute to the Cardinal’s Appeal as a gesture of my faith and support of the Archdiocese of New York.
We are particularly fortunate to have Cardinal Dolan as our spiritual shepherd, and my admiration for His Eminence knows no bounds. While the Cardinal’s Appeal is my priority, I like to make contributions to the many other aspects of the Archdiocese of New York.
For those considering a planned gift, remember that our parish and archdiocesan staff and volunteers work tirelessly to serve the spiritual, physical, and practical needs of our local communities, from the southern tip of Staten Island to the northern reaches of Ulster County. Your generous legacy gift will directly impact our parishes, priests, and those in need. Please contact the Planned Giving Office at 646-794-3317 or Planned.Giving@archny.org to learn more.