[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF THE PERMANENT DIACONATE IN 
                                PATERSON

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise to mark a special 
anniversary. This year is the 25th anniversary of the restoration of 
the Permanent Diaconate in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson, NJ. 
In the Catholic faith, a deacon is a layman who willingly gives his 
time, talent and treasure to help not only his own church community 
but, through his work, the entire community. His is a life of service.
  Mr. President, I deeply admire the commitment of these lay people to 
serve others. They bring to mind the words of the great humanitarian, 
Albert Schweitzer, ``The greatest gift we can give to another, is the 
gift of ourselves.''
  The work done by the 146 deacons of Paterson's Diocese also reminds 
me of the long tradition of service which communities of faith have in 
America. Whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or other religion, these 
communities not only minister to individuals' spiritual needs, but to 
all of their needs. They may provide tangible support like food and 
shelter, or simply compassion, counseling, and concern.
  Mr. President, I offer my congratulations to the Diaconate of the 
Diocese of Paterson, and to Msgr. Ken Lasch who, 25 years ago, laid the 
cornerstone upon which the Diaconate's success has been built. As a 
native of Paterson, I am pleased that we have these dedicated men in 
our midst who are serving both their church and our community.

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