[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING FATHER AMOS WISCHMEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
dedicated more than 50 years to making our community a better place. On 
June 3, 2001, Father Amos Wischmeyer, of St. Mary's Catholic Church, 
will celebrate his Golden Jubilee.
  Father Wischmeyer was ordained in 1951 and began his career at Holy 
Trinity in Fowlerville and then St. Phillips in Battle Creek. He later 
went on to serve at St. Joseph's in Gaines and St. Mary's of the Lake 
in New Buffalo. In 1967, he followed the Lord's calling to serve as the 
Pastor for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Swartz Creek, where he has 
served for the past 34 years.
  One of the high points of Father Wischmeyer's priestly life was when 
he was able to meet Pope John Paul II in January of 2001. He was the 
great privilege and opportunity of having a private audience with Pope 
John Paul II at the Vatican. It was a truly memorable experience for 
Father Wischmeyer.
  Since his assignment to St. Mary's in 1967, pastor Wischmeyer has 
been an effective advocate for the disadvantaged. He continually 
extends his arms to help anyone in need. Throughout his service at St. 
Mary's, Father Wischmeyer has also managed to keep the Parish School 
open and fully operational, enriching children's lives with faith and 
allowing them to open their hearts to God.
  For the past 50 years, Pastor Wischmeyer has worked tirelessly to 
spread the Word of the Lord. He has made this his goal and dedicated 
his life to working not only within the parish, but also throughout the 
community to achieve this goal. Continually putting the needs of others 
above his own, Father Wischmeyer is an exemplary and loyal servant of 
God.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to acknowledge the fine work of Father 
Amos Wischmeyer. His dedication to proving food, clothing, shelter and 
education to anyone at anytime, without hesitation, serves as a fine 
example to us all. Our community would not be the same without the 
presence and influence of Father Wischmeyer. I know our community is a 
better place to live because of his spiritual mission. I am pleased to 
ask my colleagues in the 107th Congress to join in congratulating his 
50 years of pastoral service.

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