[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 119 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10218-S10219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING MONSIGNOR HENRY J. DZIADOSZ

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I come 
to the Senate floor to pay tribute to a man of uncommon character and 
faith, whom I am fortunate to call a friend: Monsignor Henry J. 
Dziadosz. For almost three decades, Monsignor Dziadosz has served as 
the Pastor at St. Bridget's of Kildare Church in Moodus, Connecticut, 
of which I am a member. And for half a century, he has inspired 
countless people through his works as a Catholic Priest in Connecticut. 
After his many years of service and guidance, Monsignor Dziadosz is 
retiring, and I wish to offer my praise for the Monsignor on this 
special occasion.
  Monsignor Dziadosz is a spiritual father for the parishioners of St. 
Bridget's, and he has overseen the transformation of the church--both 
physically and spiritually.
  On Easter Sunday, 1971, two years after being named the Pastor, he 
announced the proposed restoration and renovation of the congregation's 
original church: Old St. Bridget's on North Moodus Road. The church had 
been the home of Catholic worshipers from 1867 to 1958, and Monsignor 
believed that its preservation would serve as a monument to the 
perseverance of its parishioners. With the help of many volunteers, the 
old church was dedicated on Memorial Day 1971, and the renovation was 
known as the ``Miracle of Moodus.''
  He also oversaw the construction of an outdoor pavilion at the church 
in 1976. And in a show of the Monsignor's dedication to the improvement 
of religious education, the church opened its Religious Education 
Center in 1983.
  But the true impact that Monsignor Dziadosz had on St. Bridget's 
parish is not measured in mortar and brick, it is measured in the 
spirit of the congregation.
  Monsignor has always said that one of his goals at the church was to 
create a spirit of community where no member of the parish would ever 
feel alone, either in times of despair or happiness. He knows that we 
all face challenges in our life, and when we support one another we can 
work through our difficulties and overcome them. Through his hard work 
and dedication, he was able to create such a spirit of togetherness at 
St. Bridget's, and for that, I and many others are thankful.
  He brought an energetic approach to the church, and he was not afraid 
to challenge convention in order to do what he felt was best for the 
congregation. He always taught the virtues of tolerance and worked to 
break down barriers and bring people together. He also challenged 
people to ask more from themselves and to show more concern and 
compassion for those persons in the community and the world who are 
less fortunate.
  He also felt that St. Bridget's should not only serve the parish, but 
the community at large. He opened the doors of the church for members 
of local protestant delegations to hold their worship services. He also 
allowed senior groups and other organizations to use church facilities. 
He even had a generator installed on the church premises so that the 
church may serve as a haven in case of emergencies or natural 
disasters. In addition, he singlehandedly raised $50,000 for the 
construction of a chapel and convent for the cloistered Carmelite 
sisters of Roxas City, the Philippines, proving that his compassion and 
concern for others extends far beyond any physical borders.
  On the occasion of his retirement, I think it is appropriate to look 
back at

[[Page S10219]]

some of the words that Monsignor Dziadosz spoke at the time that the 
parish celebrated his 25th year at St. Bridget's. He said, ``We can 
never say we've done it, we've reached our goal.''
  In certain respects he's right, because life is an ongoing process, 
and our goals are constantly changing. But, in the end, I think that 
anyone who knows Monsignor Dziadosz would say that he's wrong. 
Monsignor Dziadosz not only reached his goals, he exceeded them.
  His retirement is a time of great loss for the parish, but more 
important, it is a time for celebration. His words and actions have 
been a source of inspiration and strength for countless individuals 
through the years, and his guidance will be dearly missed. On behalf of 
the people of St. Bridget's and the people of Connecticut, I say thank 
you Monsignor, and may God bless you.

                          ____________________