[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 120 (Thursday, September 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1734]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATIONS TO BISHOP BOOTKOSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARGE ROUKEMA

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 1997

  Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Msgr. Paul G. 
Bootkoski on being named auxiliary bishop of the Newark Archdiocese. 
Bishop Bootkoski is a devout, learned priest with impeccable 
credentials for this important post. He is also a kind, caring, 
compassionate man who parishioners regard as a comforting, trusted 
friend and uplifting spiritual leader. He is always there to help 
families in distress. Archbishop Theodore McCarrick has made an 
excellent choice.
  Bishop Bootkoski was born July 4, 1940, in Newark, the son of Peter 
G. Bootkoski and Antoinette R. Klimek Bootkoski of Westwood. His 
Catholic education began early as he attended Queen of Peace Grammar 
School in North Arlington, run by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut 
Hill. He attended St. Benedict's Preparatory High School in Newark and 
in 1962 received his bachelor of arts degree from Seton Hall 
University. He received a master's degree from Manhattan College in 
1975 and his Master's of Divinity degree from Immaculate Conception 
Seminary in 1976.
  Ordained at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Newark on May 28, 1966, by 
Archbishop Thomas A. Boland, Bishop Bootkoski first served as parochial 
vicar at Sacred Heart Church in Bloomfield. In 1969, he was reassigned 
to Holy Spirit Church in Orange and also served at its mission church, 
St. Peter Claver in Montclair. He was assigned to St. Michael's in 
Cranford in 1970 before becoming Catholic chaplain at Rutgers 
University's Newark campus in 1972. He became archdiocesan director of 
campus ministry in 1975.
  In 1980, Bishop Bootkoski returned to his alma mater as assistant 
vice president of student affairs at Seton Hall. He held that post for 
4 years before being named pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Church 
in Elizabeth. In 1990 he became pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel 
Parish in Saddle River and also resumed the post of archdiocesan 
director of campus ministry. He was named vicar for priests by 
Archbishop McCarrick in July 1996.
  Bishop Bootkoski has been a member of the Presbyterial Council, the 
College of Consultors, the National Federation of Presbyterial Councils 
and the Catholic Campus Ministry Association. In 1991 he was named 
prelate of honor.
  Bishop Bootkoski should know that our prayers are with him as he 
faces the challenges of his new responsibilities. And we stand with 
him. We are assured that he will follow in the steps of those who have 
gone before in seeking wisdom and guidance from above.

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