[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 112 (Friday, July 26, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      FATHER ROBERT CRONIN HONORED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 1996

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, Father Robert W. Cronin's service in the 
priesthood has spanned 44 years, and during this time he has faithfully 
served people throughout the State of Connecticut. On July 28, 1996 
Father Cronin will retire from active parish ministry and his post at 
the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Coleman in Middlefield, where he has 
served since 1991. I would like to join his parishioners in 
congratulating this extraordinary priest on his retirement.
  Father Cronin was ordained into the priesthood on May 22, 1952, at 
St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT by the Most Reverend Henry J. 
O'Brien, who was then the bishop of Hartford. Following his ordination, 
Father Cronin served as assistant pastor at three churches in the New 
London area, a time he recalls as being marked by personal growth. 
While living in New London, he directed the Office of Catholic 
Charities, which provides social work services as parishes in 
Connecticut and Rhode Island. Father Cronin played a significant role 
in building a strong advisory board at the Catholic charities.
  Father Cronin's first pastorate was St. Maurice Church in Bolton, 
where he began serving in 1965. After the Second Vatican Council he was 
called upon to implement the liturgical changes in this parish. Father 
Cronin recalls that it was ``wonderful to inaugurate those changes.'' 
He was particularly excited about the opportunity to get the members of 
the congregation more involved in the mass. Before moving to St. Agnes 
Church in Niantic in 1980, Father Cronin presided over the construction 
of Bolton's parish center. He has said that these parishes shared a 
great spirit and sense of community and liturgy.
  He was appointed to his current post at St. Coleman Church in 
Middlefield in 1991. Father Cronin's time at St. Coleman Church has 
been marked by his tremendous involvement in the lives of his 
parishioners. Parishioners have noted Father Cronin's generosity, 
kindness, and genuine interest in people. In particular, he has always 
enjoyed working with the parish's children. He oversaw the religious 
education program and is known for frequently stopping by classes to 
talk with the children.
  Father Cronin has a unique talent for drawing a congregation 
together. During his tenure in Middlefield, the members of St. Coleman 
worked together to build a storage barn on the church property. Father 
Cronin has said of his years of work in the priesthood, ``It was 
wonderful to be able to be of help to people, to make a difference 
positively in people's lives. Every parish has good people, and they 
are one's blessings.''
  I am delighted to join Father Cronin's parish in congratulating him 
on his retirement. I know your retirement will be a productive time and 
will give you the chance to pursue your interests with renewed energy 
and enthusiasm. I commend you for a lifetime of service to both the 
Catholic Church and the many parishioners whose lives you have touched 
in very special ways.

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