[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 79 (Friday, June 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA 
                                 PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 13, 2002

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to honor the 50th anniversary of the establishment of St. 
Anthony of Padua Parish in Falls Church, Virginia.
  Since holding its first Mass on Easter Sunday, 1952, St. Anthony's 
has profoundly impacted its congregation, students, and the community 
at large. Today the miulti-ethnic parish continues to flourish while 
upholding a strong tradition of excellence in both the Catholic 
Christian ministry and community service. The accomplished past of the 
church has been characterized by generous contributions to local 
worship, education, and medical care. St. Anthony's sizeable and 
multifaceted endeavors have been remarkably effective.
  In 1954, the church established St. Anthony's School, which now 
enrolls 620 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eighth. This 
notable commitment to education is further reflected in the valuable 
resources the church has made available to its community. These range 
from a religious education program for public school students to a 
computer-training course for adults. A partnership with Fairfax County 
and the Hispanic Committee of Virginia in a Day Laborers' Program 
highlights the church's dedication to improving education.
  St. Anthony's has undertaken substantial initiatives in improving 
local health care by providing a mobile mammogram van, running 
Alcoholics Anonymous groups, and offering 24-session parenting classes. 
Additionally, the church co-sponsors quarterly health fairs with 
organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, whom they 
further assist in conducting bone-marrow screenings.
  The Parish also has made strides in emergency assistance. St. 
Anthony's has relieved many people facing hardships by helping with 
medical costs and utility payments. The establishment of ``Mary's 
House'' enabled the church to aid single homeless mothers by providing 
them a caring environment. Moreover, St. Anthony's offers services such 
as counseling, tax assistance, Thanksgiving dinner, and the collection 
of Christmas gifts to those in need.
  With all of these accomplishments, there is great reason for St. 
Anthony's and its community to celebrate. Accordingly, Mr. Speaker, I 
extend my warmest congratulations on their 50th Anniversary. The Parish 
most certainly has distinguished itself through its devotion to 
community service, and I call upon my colleagues to join me in 
applauding 50 years of excellence.




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