On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the soaring sanctuary of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral was filled with union members, labor leaders, community representatives, and parishioners who gathered for the annual Labor Day Mass. The liturgy, held each year as a spiritual prelude to the Labor Day Parade up Fifth Avenue, once again honored the dignity of work and the contributions of New York’s labor community.
Banners from groups including the New York City Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA, Ironworkers Local No. 40, New York State Nurses Association, and many more lined the aisles next to the altar, as the leaders and workers took their seats in the cathedral’s sanctuary. The colorful display of union banners highlighted the diversity and solidarity of New York’s labor movement, setting a vibrant and reverent tone for the Mass.
Monsignor Kevin Sullivan served as the principal celebrant and homilist. He reminded those in attendance of the historic and ongoing role the labor movement plays not only for its members, but for the broader community.
“The tradition of the labor movement has been not merely to improve the lives of the union members but to improve the lives of all workers and their families,” Monsignor Sullivan said.
Monsignor Sullivan delivered a powerful message on the true meaning of collective bargaining, emphasizing that labor’s strength lies not in individual action but in working together for the common good.
“We need to double down on collective bargaining,” Monsignor Sullivan said, calling on all workers to unite in pursuit of fairness, dignity, and shared opportunity. Monsignor Sullivan described collective bargaining as a way of connecting and engaging with others — even those who may initially disagree — to reach agreements that benefit everyone and help build a more just and equitable society.
Leading the Liturgy: Readers and Gift Bearers
Several special participants contributed to the liturgy. Peter McNally, member of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), read the First Reading, while Reisy Veloz, DUAW International Servicing Representative from UAW Region 9A, presented the petitions.
During the offertory, the gifts were carried by CLC Executive Board Member Chris O’Hara and his daughter, Mary Katherine O’Hara, highlighting the participation of multiple generations in celebrating the labor community.
Announcing a New Partnership to Feed New Yorkers
This year’s Mass included a special announcement underscoring the shared mission of Catholic Charities and the labor community: a campaign to raise funds for 25,000 meals for New Yorkers in need. Monsignor Sullivan highlighted the coordination with the New York City Central Labor Council to undertake the initiative, expressing gratitude for the leadership and generosity that made it possible.
“I want to thank you for the labor community and the help of the New York City Central Labor Council to undertake this campaign to raise 25,000 meals for our community,” Monsignor Sullivan said.
Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, emphasized the power of unity and the growing momentum of organized labor.
“Today, working people from every corner of our city are standing shoulder to shoulder to celebrate the contributions of the Labor Movement and to recommit ourselves to building a fairer, more just New York,” Mr. Griffith shared in statement. “The strength and diversity of our movement are on full display, and our message is clear: together, we are united in the fight for dignity, respect, and opportunity for all workers.”
The partnership reflects Catholic Charities’ long-standing mission to provide help and create hope for New Yorkers of all backgrounds. By working with organized labor, Catholic Charities is not only extending direct service but also strengthening bonds with those who have long advocated for justice, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
Recognizing New Leadership
Another moment of joy during the Mass was Monsignor Sullivan’s introduction of Catholic Charities’ new Chief Executive Officer, J. Antonio Fernandez, who attended with his wife and daughter.
The introduction marked a moment of continuity and hope for the future of Catholic Charities — as the organization transitions from the leadership of Monsignor Sullivan, who has served since 2001, to Mr. Fernandez, who brings decades of nonprofit and faith-based service experience, including his previous roles as President and CEO of Catholic Charities of San Antonio and Senior Vice President of Operations at Catholic Charities of Chicago.
Monsignor Sullivan will move into an advisory role as Executive Director Emeritus, continuing to provide guidance, wisdom, and institutional knowledge to support the organization’s mission while supporting Mr. Fernandez to lead Catholic Charities into its next chapter.
Joining Mr. Fernandez at the Mass was Lisa Flores, who became Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities Community Services in May 2025, reflecting the organization’s broader leadership team and shared commitment to honoring the labor movement while serving New Yorkers in need.
Kicking Off the Parade
Following the Mass, outside the steps of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Monsignor Sullivan introduced Antonio Fernandez to several state and city officials, further connecting Catholic Charities’ new leadership to New York’s civic and labor community.
Among those greeted were Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, State Assembly Member and the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. The introductions symbolized the continued partnership between faith-based service providers, government leaders, and the labor movement, all united in support of workers and families across New York.
As parishioners and union members joined the annual Labor Day Parade up Fifth Avenue, the words of Monsignor Sullivan lingered: the labor movement is not only about its members, but about lifting up all workers and their families.
The 2025 Labor Day Mass was both a celebration and a call to action — honoring the dignity of work, embracing new leadership, and forging partnerships that will continue to serve New Yorkers in the months and years to come.
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