[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1198-E1199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF MONSIGNOR EDWARD J. HAJDUK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 10, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monsignor Edward J. 
Hajduk for his years of service to St. Henry's Church and the people of 
Bayonne, Newark, and Elizabeth. Monsignor Hajduk celebrated the 50th 
Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, June 1 at 
St. Henry's Church in Bayonne, New Jersey.
  Monsignor Hajduk has led a long life of commitment and service to 
congregations throughout Bayonne, Newark, and Elizabeth area. Ordained 
on May 30, 1953, Monsignor Hajduk first served at the Sacred Heart 
Church in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, where he was a parochial vicar for 
sixteen years. During his time at Sacred Heart, Monsignor Hajduk was 
the assistant director and moderator of the Catholic Youth Organization 
of Bergen County, a teacher at the Immaculate Conception High School, 
and a professor of Theology at Felician College.
  In 1969, Monsignor Hajduk was appointed by Archbishop Boland to serve 
as the youth director of the Archdiocese of Newark, where he worked 
until 1971. The Monsignor then served as administrator of St. James 
Church in Newark, where he played a vital role in reorganizing the 
parish. In 1979, Monsignor Hajduk was named chaplain to Pope John Paul 
II and given the title of Reverend Monsignor. In 1984, Monsignor Hajduk 
became a pastor at St. Hedwig's Church in Elizabeth, where he served 
for twelve years. During his service at St. Hedwig's, Monsignor Hajduk 
undertook the task of renovating the interior of the church. The 
Monsignor was elected dean of the Elizabeth Deanery, and asked by 
Archbishop McCarrick to lead a city-wide study of the future of the 
church in Elizabeth.
  Born and raised in Bayonne, Monsignor Hajduk returned to Bayonne in 
1992 to serve

[[Page E1199]]

as pastor of St. Henry's Church, where he is currently serving his 
second term. At St. Henry's, Monsignor Hajduk has helped restore and 
renovate the interior of the church and upgrade some if its facilities. 
Under his leadership, the Religious and Youth Center at the Church has 
grown substantially, and now serves over 500 students.
  Monsignor Hajduk continues to be an active member of the Bayonne 
community. He is currently a member of the Bayonne Faith Based 
Initiative Advisory Board, serves on the board of directors of the 
Bayonne Mental Health Center, is active in the Bayonne Interfaith 
Council, and was a representative to the Bayonne Census in 2000.
  Today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Monsignor Edward J. 
Hajduk for his exceptional service and dedication to the people of New 
Jersey.

                          ____________________