[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE PARISH OF ST. ELIZABETH SETON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, on May 29th, 2001, a 
celebration will occur in my congressional district that is most 
noteworthy, and that I wish to bring to the attention of my colleagues 
in the U.S. House of Representatives. On this very special day, the 
Parish of St. Elizabeth Seton in the Town of Ridgefield, Connecticut 
will celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
  With the population of Roman Catholic families growing in the 1970's, 
it was clear that there was a need for a new parish in the Ridgebury 
section of Ridgefield. Father Francis Medynski was appointed by Bishop 
Walter Curtis to re-configure the then existing parish of St. Mary's. 
After nearly two years of planning and consultation, Fr. Medynski's 
task was completed and he was named Pastor of the new St. Elizabeth 
Seton parish in April, 1976.
  The new church had to make due with precious, few resources, calling 
on parishioners for every type of service. For example, everyone 
pitched in for a daylong cleaning effort of the temporary rectory/
parish center on May 18, 1976.
  In the beginning, the church met at the Ridgebury Elementary School, 
but it was clear from the start that the construction of a permanent 
church home was necessary. Efforts began immediately. Committees were 
established to hire architects and contractors, fundraising events were 
organized and parish programs were set. And, at last, on September 20, 
1977, the church's official groundbreaking took place. Construction was 
steady, and a little over a year later, on December 23, 1978, the first 
Mass in the new sanctuary was celebrated. The formal dedication 
occurred on May 29, 1979.
  Over the past 25 years, the church has continued to grow. The 371 
original families in the parish have grown to approximately 1,000. The 
Religious Education program has expanded to the point of needing to 
build a new Parish Center that was dedicated in October, 1988. The 
Center also houses the church administrative offices and includes 
several meeting rooms for parish use.
  In 1996, Fr. Medynski retired, and Father Joseph Prince then came to 
lead the church, which he has done with dedication and distinction.
  Mr. Speaker, it is fitting to honor all the parishioners and church 
leadership alike who have contributed a guiding hand in the creation 
and growth of the Parish of St. Elizabeth Seton. Today, we celebrate 
their commitment to their faith, a commitment measured not only words 
but in their inspiring deeds. On behalf of the Congress of the United 
States, I extend our congratulations to St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and 
wish all God's blessings in the years ahead.

                          ____________________