Senate Resolution 4

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MONSIGNOR JOSEPH CLEMENT MERCIER OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD.

WHEREAS, Monsignor Joseph Clement Mercier, 78, a native of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was ordained at the Church of Twelve Apostles in Rome for the Diocese of Natchez on July 17, 1955; and

WHEREAS, after his ordination for the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, Monsignor Mercier's dedicated career and appointments are a matter of record: Date of Arrival in Diocese, July 17, 1956; July 28, 1956, Assistant, St. Mary, Jackson; November 17, 1956, Assistant, Nativity BVM, Biloxi; September 2, 1957, Assistant, St. John, Gulfport; September 8, 1962, Assistant, Sacred Heart Church, Hattiesburg, and Chaplain to Newman Club at University of Southern Mississippi; September 1, 1964, Pastor, Christ the King Church, Jackson; June 5, 1967, Pastor, Holy Family Parish, Jackson; February 1, 1968, Member of Diocesan Liturgical Commission; August 1, 1970, Pastor, Sacred Heart, Pascagoula; June 13, 1977, Appointed to Board of Consultors for Diocese of Biloxi; November 29, 1977, Appointed as Synodal Examiner and Parish Priest Consultor; January 23, 1978, Appointed Pastor, St. John the Evangelist, Gulfport; January 24, 1978, Appointed Dean of Central Coast Deanery; February 3, 1978, Appointed Pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish, Gulfport; July 13, 1978, Elected as Member of the Clergy Council; August 1, 1978, Elected to Clergy Council of Diocese; August 1, 1978, Appointed Dean of West Central Coast Deanery; August 1, 1978, Appointed to Board of Consultors; November 20, 1984, Granted three-year extension as Pastor of St. John the Evangelist, Gulfport; June 1, 1986, Appointed Pastor, Sacred Heart, Dedeaux and Diocesan Priest Director of the Cursillo Movement and Priest Director of Diocesan Lay Retreats; September 1, 1992, Granted three-year extension as Pastor, Sacred Heart, Dedeaux; June 6, 1995, Granted three-year extension as Pastor, Sacred Heart, Dedeaux; January 20, 2001, Administrator Pro-Tem of St. Ann Parish, Gulfport until May 30, 2001; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the vital, outstanding service of Monsignor Joseph Clement Mercier of Gulfport, Mississippi, who has ministered to the needs of his parish, his community and his state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Monsignor Joseph Clement Mercier of Gulfport, Mississippi, on his 50th Anniversary of Ordination to Priesthood, and extend to him the best wishes of the Senate on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Monsignor Mercier and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.