[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2003

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Roman 
Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois in honor of their 
Sesquicentennial Celebration.
  The Springfield Diocese is home to approximately 170,000 Catholics in 
164 parishes. The diocese is also home to 145 diocesan priests. There 
are eight Catholic hospitals, one religious seminary, one Catholic 
university, one Catholic college, seven Catholic high schools, and 54 
Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.
  Today, I would like to send my blessings to Bishop Lucas and the 
entire Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois for a joyous 
celebration of their Sesquicentennial.
  The Diocese will celebrate their year of Jubilee with a free fun-
filled day on Saturday, June 28, 2003 with a community mass that 
evening. The day will include activities for children, families, and 
seniors at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The day will conclude with a 
concert from Aaron Neville. I would like to commend the sponsors of the 
event who are making this day possible for the hundreds of Catholic 
families in the Diocese.
  In closing, I would like to congratulate the Diocese on their Jubilee 
2003 Celebration and wish them much success with their events. I know 
every one who attends will feel renewed in their faith and ready to 
begin the next 150 years with thanksgiving for all we have been given. 
God bless.

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