[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1860]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING SISTER JOANNE FEDEWA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to an 
outstanding humanitarian, Sister Joanne Fedewa. On October 5, 1997, 
Sister Joanne will be honored for her 50 years of dedicated service to 
God, the Catholic Church, and her community.
  As a member of the Sisters of the Living Word, Sister Joanne obtained 
the foundation that led to her work as an educator, administrator, and 
spiritual advisor. For 30 years, Sister Joanne taught or served as 
principal at Catholic schools in Minnesota, Illinois, Louisiana, 
Arkansas, and Michigan. Sister Joanne spent much of her teaching career 
in predominately African-American communities. I know that she 
considers the establishment of a Catholic school in an African-American 
parish in Little Rock, AR, to be one of her finest achievements. 
Through teaching, Sister Joanne inspired thousands of children to 
further their education. More importantly she instilled in them the 
importance of faith and the joy of God's love.
  In 1989, Sister Joanne was appointed pastoral coordinator of Christ 
the King Parish. In this capacity, Sister Joanne founded the Rite of 
Christian Initiation of Adults Program, programs for eucharistic 
ministers, and other parish education and sacramental programs. She 
collaborated with the ministers of service in developing a program for 
underprivileged youth in Flint.
  In addition to her duties as pastoral coordinator, Sister Joanne 
serves on the Flint Catholic Urban Ministry Board which oversees 
ministry of the Dukette Intercultural Center in its mission to sponsor 
events in Flint's core city Catholic parishes. As a leader in the civil 
rights movement, Sister Joanne is widely credited with bringing to our 
attention the significant contributions of African-Americans to the 
Catholic Church.
  As an advocate for those most vulnerable in our society, Sister 
Joanne regularly visits the homebound, hospitals, jails, and nursing 
homes. As busy as she is, Sister Joanne always has time for the 
parishioners of Christ the King Parish, encouraging them to use their 
gifts to serve others. Her tireless work on parish committees and in 
the day to day administration of the parish is appreciated by all. For 
those who cite a shortage of time, Sister Joanne serves as a remarkable 
role model.
  Mr. Speaker, it is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to pay 
tribute to Sister Joanne Fedewa. She has served our Lord and our 
community with the greatest devotion and is deserving of our praise. 
This occasion provides me the opportunity to express my deepest 
gratitude to Sister Joanne. I know that I am a better person for having 
known her, and Flint is certainly a better place because of her 
presence.




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