[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PROVIDING HOPE BY FAITH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to St. Anthony's 
Church as they celebrate their centennial anniversary. For the past 100 
years the church has been the foundation that has allowed the 
congregation to serve as a bridge to the community, relentlessly 
providing their unselfish services not only in times of hardship but 
also in daily life.
  St. Anthony's Church was founded in a farming community to bring 
together friends and neighbors. The church has helped the community by 
creating programs that assist those in need. One of the most 
outstanding programs created by the church is the Center for Families. 
This center provides emotional or marriage counseling, day care, and a 
playground for their children. Families supporting one another is the 
key to a flourishing community, and St. Anthony's has provided the 
assistance that continues to create strong families, who provide an 
excellent example for the community as they reach out to their fellow 
neighbors.
  Throughout the past 100 years the congregation has been committed to 
helping those who have nowhere to turn. For over 20 years, St. 
Anthony's members have organized a food pantry that gives the less 
fortunate in the community not only food but hope for the future. Since 
the first plank of the church was nailed, the congregation has been 
providing assistance through the Emergency Need Program. This program 
provides the payment of past due electricity bills, rent payments, and 
heating bills for families who have fallen on hard times.
  The congregation of St. Anthony's Church pass along their strong 
Christian values to future generations by maintaining a K-5 parochial 
school. The school is dedicated to teaching the Christian principles to 
students at an early age, so that they will have their faith to guide 
them through life's many challenges. Once the youth in Fisherville move 
toward adulthood, St. Anthony's does not abandon them. Baccalaureate, a 
graduation ceremony, is performed by the parish, so that students have 
a spiritual blessing to continue to guide them through adulthood.
  Mr. Speaker, St. Anthony's Church will strive to provide an 
invaluable base for the community, so I urge you and your colleagues to 
join me in celebrating St. Anthony of Pauda's centennial anniversary 
which truly is a journey in faith.

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