Father Laurence Tracy's legacy began on June 4, 1966; the day he was ordained. In 1967, Father Tracy was sent to Puerto Rico for a language-immersion program. Father Tracy was a founding member of Ibero-American Action League, El Instituto de Pastoral Hispano, and the Rochester City School District's bilingual council.
Father Laurence Tracy was a pillar in the Greater Rochester Community for decades. Known as the "Barrio Priest," Father Tracy long had the vision of serving those struggling with life, including addiction. The message to those struggling with addiction has always been, "we love you, but not what you are doing" in this neighborhood and as an advocate Father Tracy worked to get people connected to treatment services. The Father Tracy Advocacy Center (FTAC) at 821 North Clinton Avenue (an area known as La Avenida) is an extension of Father Tracy's vision for service