[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 80 (Thursday, June 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1169-E1170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF LA SAGRADA FAMILIA PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor La Sagrada Familia 
Parish, which is celebrating its dedication on June 21.
  The Hispanic Catholic community of Cleveland has wanted a parish of 
its own since the early 1950s. At that point there were at least five 
different parishes that Spanish speaking people attended. By the early 
1970s the Hispanic Catholic community had grown so large that it needed 
its own parish. In 1973, a small group began with a special service at 
St. Stephen's Church. Eventually developed into the community of San 
Juan Bautista. There were still many people without a parish, however, 
so in 1980 the idea for La Sagrada Familia Parish began. It took 
eighteen years, but the dream is now a reality. On June 21 the 
dedication ceremony will take place.
  To understand the magnitude of the accomplishment, we must recognize 
the collective contribution of this congregation: Persistence, a 
dedication to hard work, a devotion to the community, and a commitment 
to progress. The La Sagrada Familia Parish has demonstrated that 
vision, combined with spirit, leads to boundless achievement.
  The Hispanic Catholic community has added a spirit of diversity and 
tradition to the neighborhood of the near west side. Always willing to 
help others, the community has made a difference, taking advantage of 
resources of time and caring to improve the lot of its neighbors in 
need. The community has waited for a long time for a parish of its own, 
and with La Sagrada Familia, the dream is accomplished, the prayers 
have been answered. The dedication of La Sagrada Familia Parish serves 
as a reminder of the community's devotion to the service of others. The 
dedication of this church should be a source of pride for all of 
Cleveland's Hispanic Catholic community.
  La Sagrada Familia Parish is the product of years of planning, fund-
raising, and hard work. This is a proud moment for Cleveland and its 
Hispanic Catholic community. My fellow colleagues, please join me in 
congratulating this parish and in wishing parishioners many happy years 
in their new home.

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