[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF SAINT WENDELIN PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 16, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my best wishes to 
the parish community of Saint Wendelin Church as they celebrate their 
ninety-fifth year in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood. For almost a 
century, Saint Wendelin's has served as a spiritual refuge, opening its 
doors to any soul in search of peace.
  Originally serving the Slovak community of Cleveland's near west 
side, the ministry of Saint Wendelin's began in 1903. It was on May 3rd 
of that year that the community received permission to found Saint 
Wendelin Parish. A small church was soon erected, and on December 6, 
1903, Father Koudelka celebrated Saint Wendelin's first mass. Not long 
after, the Sisters of Notre Dame established Saint Wendelin's School. 
The order would continue to provide quality Catholic education for the 
next seventy years.
  In 1925, the current church and school complex was dedicated. Non-
territorial, Saint Wendelin's welcomes all believers to join in 
worship. It is a testament to the Saint Wendelin's ministry that 
Catholics from all corners on the city answer the call to celebrate at 
the little church on Columbus Avenue.
  Cleveland's strong tradition of Catholic education continues at Saint 
Wendelin's under the direction of Ursuline Sisters with their operation 
of Urban Community School. Saint Wendelin's facilities serve as a 
second home to the 300 students of Urban Community. Saint Wendelin's 
also serves as the headquarters for Heartbeats, Inc., a ministry 
operated by the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, supporting women from 
third world countries.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in honoring the parish community 
of Saint Wendelin Church and its pastor, Rev. Jerome Lajack, as they 
celebrate mass with Bishop Anthony Pilla in commemoration of 95 years 
in service to God. A community bound by its faith, the believers of 
Saint Wendelin's are committed to doing justice, both in the church's 
surrounding neighborhoods and the world beyond. Let us pray that Saint 
Wendelin parish continues as a beacon of Christian charity as we enter 
into the next millenium.

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