[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6258-S6259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SISTER MONICA KOSTIELNEY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH MICHIGAN CATHOLIC 
                               CONFERENCE

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor a very important woman in the Michigan religious community. 
Sister Monica Kostielney, R.S.M. is celebrating 25 years with the 
Michigan Catholic Conference this year. Presently, she serves as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Conference, however, her 
list of accomplishments extends far beyond her work in this capacity.
  Prior to joining the Catholic Conference, Sister Monica taught 
elementary and secondary school for thirteen years. She began her 
career with the Catholic Conference of Michigan as a staff member in 
1972. She served as Executive Vice-President for public affairs from 
1983 until 1994, and has served as President and CEO since then. For 25 
years, in addition to her service to the Michigan Catholic Conference, 
Sister Monica has advised many on important issues affecting all facets 
of society. She has given selflessly of her time to many other 
organizations and charities including, the Midwest Hispanic Catholic 
Commission, the Michigan Department of Education Legislative Advisory 
Council, the Governor's Blue Ribbon Welfare Reform Committee and the 
Board of Directors of St. Lawrence Hospital and Healthcare Services 
Divisional Board. From 1980 to 1984, Sister Monica co-hosted ``Reel to 
Reel,'' a weekly Sunday television show produced by the

[[Page S6259]]

Diocese of Lansing. These are just a few examples of Sister Monica's 
unwavering devotion to her community and the entire State of Michigan.
  I want to join with Sister Monica's friends and family in 
congratulating her on this very special occasion. She is a remarkable 
woman whom the state of Michigan is fortunate to benefit from. 

                          ____________________