[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO FATHER JOHN P. KLEIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 11, 1998

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
dedicated more than 20 years to making our community a better place. On 
June 13, 1998, the family of Saint Agnes Parish will host a mass and 
dinner honoring Father John P. Klein, Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish as 
he follows the Lord's calling to serve at St. Gerard's Parish in 
Lansing.
  Father John was ordained in 1978 and began his illustrious career as 
Associate Pastor at St. Robert's Parish in Flushing then at Good 
Shepard in Montrose. He was then called to serve as the Administrator 
of St. Michael's Parish in Flint in 1980. In 1984, he was named Pastor 
of St. Agnes Parish. Father John additionally heads the Flint Catholic 
Ministry which operates the Dukette Catholic School.
  Since his assignment in 1984, Father John has been such an effective 
advocate for low income and minority individuals. He has promoted 
several programs designed to provide a safe environment for our young 
people. Father Klein has also graciously shared the facilities of St. 
Agnes with many of its neighbors regardless of religious affiliations. 
Parish-sponsored programs like The Food Pantry serve between 150-200 
families per month. Cornerstone, a nonprofit organization, leases the 
former Middle School in order to provide programs for adults with 
severe disabilities. The Genesee Intermediate School district utilizes 
the former convent to serve students with special needs.
  During the last 14 years, Father John has been influential in the 
renovation of the church, the convent, and the rectory. The landscaping 
and ground beautification programs that were overseen by Father John 
were recognized with several ``Civic Pride'' awards from the City of 
Flint and the Flint Board of Education. Father John is also responsible 
for implementing energy conservation programs which have saved 
thousands of dollars.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to acknowledge the fine work of Father 
John P. Klein. His dedication to providing food, clothing, shelter, 
education and transportation to anyone, at any time, without hesitation 
or discrimination serves as a fine example for us all. I respectfully 
request my colleagues in the 105th Congress to join me in wishing 
Father John well at his new post. While we may be losing a dear friend, 
we know that Father John has left a legacy that we can all be proud of.

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