[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 69 (Thursday, May 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF MSGR. JEROME E. SCHMIT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 1997

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the people of northwest Ohio lost a great 
man, a giant oak, this past week. Msgr. Jerome E. Schmit, who passed 
away on Thursday, April 10, 1997. Monsignor was born on December 4, 
1910, the youngest of five children. He graduated from St. John's High 
School in Toledo in 1982, St. John's College in 1932, and attended the 
Pontifical Josephinium in Worthington, OH, where he studied theology 
and the Scriptures. He received his masters in social work degree from 
Catholic University of America in 1941.
  Overcoming prejudice about a congenital disability which impaired his 
speaking ability, Monsignor Schmit overcame his cross and was finally 
ordained a Catholic priest on June 7, 1941. He received his ordination 
from Bishop Karl J. Alter and, over the years, gained not only the 
respect but love of his flock.
  Early in his career, Monsignor was appointed to Catholic Charities in 
Toledo, and it was there that he truly made his mark--ministering to 
the legion of children of our community. Guiding the CYO [Catholic 
Youth Organization] program, Monsignor Schmit developed an entire youth 
program under which Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 600 basketball teams 
flourished. His leadership made the CYO program a proud institution of 
the Toledo Catholic Diocese. Property was purchased and developed, 
programs were expanded ever further, and thousands upon thousands of 
children have now been served by his ministry. He became the cherished 
relative to every family whose lives he touched.
  In 1942, Monsignor Schmit was asked to take over the Catholic Club, a 
recreational facility, and was soon named director of Catholic 
Charities and director of the diocesan youth department. He served the 
Catholic Club until retiring from the position in 1980.
  Not content to limit development of local youth sports and 
recreation, Monsignor Schmit was a part of the Lucas County rec 
committee which developed the Lucas County Rec Center. Through the 
committee's work, the recreation center added baseball diamonds and a 
pool. During the 1950's, a baseball franchise was purchased, and 
Monsignor Schmit became the secretary-treasurer of the Toledo Mud Hens 
Triple A baseball team. Until his death, he was secretary-treasurer of 
the Lucas County Rec Center.
  Elevated to papal chamberlain, he was entitled to the title Monsignor 
in 1954. In 1963, he was elevated to domestic prelate. Associate pastor 
at St. Patrick's Historic Church from 1951 until 1968, Monsignor Schmit 
was named the church's pastor in 1968. He retired--but only 
officially--from those duties in 1981.
  Monsignor Schmit's achievements and recognitions are too numerous to 
mention. In addition to those described above, a few of these include: 
founder of the council of Catholic men in 1945; awarded the city of 
Toledo Recreation Award in 1954 for his outstanding contributions to 
amateur athletics; awarded the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts 
of America, whom he served as chaplain, in 1952; member of the Old 
Newsboys Goodfellows; receipt of the American Red Cross Distinguished 
Service Award in 1963; St. John's Alumni 1975 Man of the Year; awarded 
outstanding service as chaplain of the Toledo police department for 25 
years in 1980; induction into the Toledo City Athletic League Hall of 
Fame in 1984; board member of the Toledo Legal Aid Society; founder of 
the Baseball Hall of Fame in Maumee, OH; founder of the Shoe Bowl 
football competition; charter member of the Catholic Better Community 
Development Corp. which provides housing for elderly, disabled, and 
low-income people; and chaplain of the Catholic War Vet's Logsdon Walla 
Post.
  A man of quiet dignity yet truly profound inspiration and with a wry 
sense of humor, Monsignor Schmit will be greatly missed. He left our 
community a magnificent legacy, perhaps best described in his obituary; 
``Monsignor Schmit's energy, inventiveness, and dedication to the ideal 
of service has touched virtually every facet of our community's life.'' 
He ``inspired hundreds of young people to lead wholesome, Christian 
lives.''
  Monsignor Schmit was preceded in death by his family: parents Henry 
and Minnie Schmit; brothers Rev. John Schmit, Rev. George Schmit, and 
Dr. Bernard Schmit; and sister Ursula Schmit. However, he leaves behind 
the family of our community, and we will miss his effervescence, his 
devout faithfulness, his humble manner. Monsignor Schmit epitomized a 
life well-spent. Godspeed, good and faithful servant.

                          ____________________