[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRESSMAN KILDEE HONORS SISTER KATHERINE SEIDENWAND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues in the 
U.S. House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to an 
outstanding educator, Sister Katherine Seidenwand. Last year, Sister 
Katherine, or ``Sister Kate'' as she is known to friends and family, 
celebrated her 80th birthday on February 1st, 1999. This year, Sister 
Kate will attain another milestone, as on March 5, she will celebrate 
60 years of service to God, the Catholic Church, and her community.
  As a member of The Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sister 
Kate has devoted her entire time toward the field of education. Not 
only did she function as a teacher and administrator, but by the nature 
of her position, she was a counselor, spiritual advisor, and friend to 
many.
  Sister Kate's educational ministry began in 1941 at St. Cecilia's 
Parish, and from there she went on to spread her influence throughout 
the Southeastern Michigan area, including St. Patrick in Wyandotte, 
Holy Name in Birmingham, St. Mary of Wayne, St. Mary of Redford, and 
St. John of Monroe. In 1959, Sister Kate became the founding principal 
of St. Regis School, and held that position until 1970. After leaving 
St. Regis, Sister Kate returned to work with the IHM order, as their 
Community Education Supervisor, but soon found herself returning to an 
administrative role, as in 1972, she began a 23-year tenure as Co-
principal of St. Mary of Redford.
  In 1995, Sister Kate changed roles, stepping down as Co-Principal, 
and becoming an Administrative Volunteer, thereby allowing others to 
grow and improve based on her personal experiences and insight.
  Mr. Speaker, Sister Katherine Seidenwand has inspired many in the 
field of education. More importantly, she has instilled in them the 
importance of faith and the joy of God's love. As a former seminarian, 
studying with her late brother Father Eugene Seidenwand, and as a 
teacher it is indeed an honor and a privilege for me to pay tribute to 
Sister Kate. I know that I am a better person for having known her, and 
our community is certainly a better place because of her presence. She 
has served our Lord and our community with the greatest devotion and is 
deserving of our praise.

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