[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   IN HONOR OF SAINT WENDELIN PARISH

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the parish 
community of Saint Wendelin Church, as they celebrate one hundred years 
of healing and hope in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood. Throughout 
the past century, Saint Wendelin's has served as a spiritual refuge, 
opening its doors to any soul in search of guidance and peace,
  The ministry of Saint Wendelin's began in 1903, originally serving 
the Slovak community of Cleveland's near west side. On May 3rd of that 
same year, the community received permission to found Saint Wendelin 
Parish. A small church was soon constructed and on December 6, 1903, 
Father Koudelka celebrated Saint Wendelin's first mass. Not long after, 
the Sisters of Notre Dame established Saint Wendelin's School. The 
order would continue to provide quality Catholic education for the next 
seventy years.
  In 1925, the current church and school complex was dedicated. Always 
reaching outward, Saint Wendelin's welcomes all believers to join in 
worship. It is a testament to the Saint Wendelin ministry that 
Catholics from all corners of the city heed the call to celebrate at 
the little church on Columbus Avenue.
  Cleveland's vital tradition of Catholic education is reflected at 
Saint Wendelin's with their active participation in the Urban Community 
School. Saint Wendelin's facilities serve as a second home to over 
three hundred students of Urban Community School.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition of 
every member of Saint Wendelin Church, and its leaders-Pastor Jerome 
Lajack and Deacon James J. Armstrong, as they celebrate mass with 
Bishop Anthony Pilla in commemoration of one hundred years of service 
to God and community. Saint Wendelin parish continues its dedication to 
social justice and spiritual healing--within the neighborhoods of Ohio 
City, and the world community beyond.

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