Staff and colleagues gathered at the Archdiocese of New York’s offices on Monday afternoon to mark the retirement of Roderick Cassidy, general counsel for the archdiocese. 

Cassidy is retiring after 25 years of service as general counsel, a position where he faithfully and tirelessly provided professional guidance to support the mission of the Church. Among the attendees were Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, Vicar General Bishop Edmund Whalen, Auxiliary Bishops Peter J. Byrne and Dominick Lagonegro, Chancellor John Cahill, Chief Administrative Officer Frank Napolitano, and Superintendent of Schools Sister Mary Grace Walsh. 

“Parishes, schools, all the institutions, the boards, everybody relies on Rod,” said Bishop Whalen, addressing the room. “Because he calls you back. The answer makes sense, and it always is furthering why we’re here. It’s not just a cold legal opinion if he puts his faith into it.” 

Suzanne Kaszynski, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School in West Harlem, offered her thanks on behalf of all principals in the archdiocese.  

“We always had you to call upon, and that meant so much. You gave us wisdom. You talked us off the perennial ledge. You showed us the humor in all things, and you cared about everybody involved,” Kasyznski said. The school administrator recalled that Cassidy once addressed the principals, saying, “I’m available 24/7, and that’s my extension.” 

Counselor, advocate, defender  

Archbishop Hicks presented Cassidy with an award to thank him for his years of service, and as he did, the archbishop noted a consistent theme from the remarks in the room: Cassidy’s steadfast nature. 

“It reflects not only what you do, because what you’ve done has been extraordinary, and we thank you for it, but it also reflects who you are: a man of heart, and integrity, and of faith,” Archbishop Hicks said.  

The award inscription reads: “The Archdiocese of New York, Roderick J. Casey Cassidy, Counselor, Advocate, Defender. In honor of 25 years of faithful and dedicated service, with tireless devotion, zeal, poignant, and great humor. You have steadfastly defended and advanced the mission of the Archdiocese of New York, never wavering in your loyalty and commitment to the tasks and challenges that are before you. May God bless you with excellent health and enrich your retirement life with peace and happiness.” 

Parting words, paired with a parting gift 

The outgoing general counsel, known for handing out branded items as reminders to call him whenever needed, couldn’t pass up one final opportunity to leave his mark. To remind his colleagues of his legal counsel when faced with an issue, Cassidy brought out bracelets inscribed with the letters “WWRD?” (“What Would Rod Do?”). 

Cassidy then took a moment to reflect on the amount of change during his tenure spanning three different archbishops. While workplace communication has evolved, he noted, from walking to someone’s office, in-person meetings, and the occasional interoffice memo to emails, texts, and Zoom meetings, the one constant has been the people. 

“The employees of the archdiocese have become more than just my coworkers. You, over the years, you’ve all become my extended family, and we celebrate together. We’ve grieved together. We’ve laughed together,” he said. 

Cassidy concluded with gratitude. “Above all, for the opportunity to serve the priests and religious of the archdiocese in New York. They are the backbone of the Church, and it’s not just my Church. It’s my mother’s Church, and it’s my grandchildren’s Church. It’s the greatest privilege and honor of my life to have helped them in any small way I could have.”