[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF FR. GERALD KELLER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2000

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Father Keller's 
twenty-five years as Pastor of St. Adalbert Church. Father Keller has 
dedicated his life to serving his church and community. His love and 
caring have touched all those who know him.
  Father Keller was appointed Pastor of St. Adalbert Parish on October 
25, 1974. From this date on, he employed his deep faith and enthusiasm 
to meet whatever challenges awaited him. In addition to providing 
weekday and weekend masses, wedding and funeral liturgies, monthly 
baptisms, and annual communal anointing of the sick, Father Keller has 
introduced the program of Christ Renews his Parish, begun a Baptismal 
program for parents, chaplained the Southwest Hospital, and initiated 
the Spiritual Life Commission. Through the years since 1974 the Parish 
has also initiated Holy Hour on Saturday afternoons, retreats for 
parish youth, Vacation Bible School, separate Men's and Women's 
retreats, and parish missions. Through his selfless work and 
dedication, Father Keller has created a church abound with 
opportunities for spiritual growth.
  Born on April 2, 1938, to John and Josephine Keller, Father Keller 
entered St. Gregory's Seminary in Cincinnati in September of 1956. On 
May 22, 1965 Father Keller was ordained. The following day he offered 
his first Mass at his home parish, Nativity of the B.V.M. Father Keller 
was later assigned to St. Matthew's Parish, and then to St. Barnabas, a 
larger suburban parish with greater demands, before joining St. 
Adalbert Church.
  Looking back at the past twenty-five years, Father Keller finds that 
it has been a time of change and growth for himself and for his parish. 
For his thirty-five years of priesthood, Father Keller has provided 
patience and listening to all those in need. His true depth of heart is 
apparent in his statement to his Congregation that, ``I am more present 
to myself with you than when I am entirely alone.'' I urge all of my 
colleagues to please join me in honoring Father Keller's twenty-five 
years as Pastor of St. Adalbert Church.

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