[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATION OF 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SACRED HEART PARISH IN EAST 
                                CHICAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with tremendous pleasure and 
admiration that I congratulate the parishioners of the Sacred Heart 
Parish in East Chicago, Indiana, as they celebrate their 75th 
anniversary as a congregation, as well as the 60th anniversary of the 
opening services in their current sanctuary, on March 4, 2001. The day 
will begin with a special Mass conducted by Bishop Dale Melczek to be 
followed by a celebratory luncheon.
  Originally known as Mission of Assumption Slovak Parish, Sacred Heart 
was founded in order to service the spiritual needs of Slovaks in East 
Chicago and Whiting, Indiana. Services were held at several churches in 
the two cities until Father Clement Mlinarovich saw a great need for 
the Mission in East Chicago. From 1926 to 1941, the Sacred Heart Parish 
conducted Masses, confessions, and missions at various churches 
throughout the city.
  After many years of relying on other churches' facilities, the 
dedicated parishioners decided to build their own sanctuary. The 
beautiful church was dedicated in May 1941 by Bishop John Francis Noll 
of the Fort Wayne Diocese, with many delighted Slovak priests and lay 
citizens from around Lake County attending. The Sacred Heart 
congregation was overjoyed that they finally had their own house of 
worship. They also took special pride in the building because many of 
the parishioners volunteered to assist with its construction.
  Father Andrew G. Grutka was the first resident pastor at the newly 
completed church. He preached to the Sacred Heart congregation from 
1942 to 1944, after which he became the first Bishop of the Diocese of 
Gary. Father Louis Duray and Father Milan Bach succeeded Father Grutka 
and made significant improvements, including beautifying the sanctuary 
and purchasing a home for the priest. Father Joseph Semancik was later 
sent to Sacred Heart as the pastor, a position he maintains today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in congratulating the congregation of Sacred Heart parish in 
East Chicago, Indiana as they celebrate the 75th anniversary of their 
founding and the 60th anniversary of the construction of their church. 
Sacred Heart Parish has undergone many changes from the time it began 
as the Mission of Assumption Slovak Parish. They have settled in East 
Chicago, built a beautiful sanctuary, and expanded the congregation to 
include a variety of ethnic backgrounds. What has remained the same is 
the dedication, loyalty, and love for their fellow man the parishioners 
have displayed throughout the parish's many years of service to the 
community. May God continue to bless the parishioners and the church 
leaders for many years to come.

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