[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1993-E1994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SISTER JOHN MARIE SAMAHA HONORED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
commend the work of Sister John Marie Samaha of the Sisters of the Holy 
Family of Nazareth.
  Sister Samaha entered the Sisters of the Holy Family on July 2, 1943. 
Sister Samaha began her ministry at a day care center, and soon 
afterward served as religious instruction teacher at various locations 
in northern California. In 1960, she became supervisor of religious 
instruction for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. In 1967 she became 
supervisor of religious education for the Sister of the Holy Family. 
From 1970 to 1975, Sister Samaha served as the superior of Holy Family 
Convent in San Jose, and from 1975 to 1979 she was the vice president 
of the Sisters of the Holy Family Community.
  Sister Samaha is currently pastoral associate at St. Joseph Parish in 
Mission San Jose. She has cared for the sick and visited the terminally 
ill. She has planned activities for seniors, and helped families deal 
with the death of loved ones. She has encouraged a spirit of family 
among parishioners, and assisted the needy with food, rent, and bill 
payments.
  Through groups like the Tri-City Homeless Coalition, the Centerville 
Free Dining Room, Second Chance, SAVE, and CAUS, Sister

[[Page E1994]]

Samaha has helped supply food, clothing, and a range of support to 
needy individuals throughout our community.
  On October 10, 1997, Sister Samaha will be honored by her friends and 
colleagues at the Ohlone College Foundation's annual luncheon. I join 
in recognition of her lifetime of giving to the community.

                          ____________________