[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMENDING MONSIGNOR JOSEPH F. SEMANCIK

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 10, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincerest pleasure to commend an 
outstanding leader of Indiana's First Congressional District, Monsignor 
Joseph F. Semancik. On Sunday, June 28, 1998, Monsignor Semancik will 
be honored by the Midwest Slovak Cultural Society during their annual 
Slovak Day Celebration. In honor of Monsignor Semancik's announced 
retirement, Sunday, June 28, 1998 has been designated as ``Monsignor 
Semancik Day.'' This highly anticipated event, in its twenty-fifth 
year, is a cultural celebration combining the best of religious, civic, 
and ethnic entertainment. Awarding this high honor to Monsignor 
Semancik clearly shows how valuable and indispensable he has been for 
the residents of Northwest Indiana, the Catholic Charities of the Gary 
Diocese, and all the people he has touched through the service of God.
  On Thursday, October 1, 1998, Monsignor Semancik will officially 
retire as the Director of Catholic Charities. Since he finished his 
master's degree in social work from Loyola University, Monsignor 
Semancik has spent the last thirty-eight years serving the Northwest 
Indiana Catholic community as one of the region's most accessible, 
compassionate, and dedicated spiritual leaders and social advocates. In 
1958, Monsignor Semancik was directed by Bishop Andrew G. Grutka to 
study social work. Though spending most of his time helping others, 
Monsignor Semancik advanced his own learning by earning a master's 
degree from Loyola University in 1960 and a doctorate from the 
University of Chicago in 1977. Driven by his compassion, desire to help 
people, and education, he spearheaded the efforts that led Catholic 
Charities to become the great helping organization that it is today. 
During his long tenure as Director of Catholic Charities, his service 
on the Lake County Economic Opportunity Council, and the Lake County 
Community Development Committee, as well as his successful efforts in 
establishing the Indiana Catholic Conference, Monsignor Semancik has 
truly earned the love, respect, and admiration of everyone in Indiana's 
First Congressional District.
  Though Monsignor Semancik, at sixty-nine years of age, will soon 
retire from his position with Catholic Charities, he will maintain his 
position as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in East Chicago, Indiana. As 
well, he will continue one of his lifelong passions: writing. 
Currently, Monsignor Semancik is planning to write a history of the 
Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Gary. He also plans to continue 
his long-standing tradition of researching and writing about Catholic 
Charities directors. These works, when completed, will go along with 
the work that he completed on the history of Slovaks in Indiana.
  Mr. Speaker, America is made a better place because of the tireless 
and unselfish service of her citizens. Monsignor Joseph Semancik is a 
man who has dedicated his entire life to helping those around him, 
resolutely working to aid the unfortunate and needy, and serving as an 
upright pillar of morality and conscience. In so doing, he has 
strengthened his community, Northwest Indiana, and whole of our country 
and society. I ask you, and my other distinguished colleagues, to join 
me in commending Monsignor Semancik for his lifetime of remarkable 
accomplishments, enduring service, and the unforgettable effect he has 
had on the people of his community.

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