[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1430]]
  RECOGNITION AND HONOR TO ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE PARISH OF CLEVELAND ON 
                        THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
St. John Nepomucene Parish of Cleveland, as they celebrate 100 years of 
service to our community.
  In 1898, 200 Catholic Americans of Czech heritage met at the East 
52nd Street home of Frank Stepanik. The gathering, organized by John 
Jira and Charles Vana, sparked the beginnings of a new parish. In 1902, 
St. John Nepomucene Parish was established.
  Parish members were also focused on the welfare of their children. To 
preserve the culture, history and language of their Eastern European 
motherland for their children, members organized again to establish a 
school. In 1903, St. John Nepomucene School was established, with an 
enrollment of 300 students.
  As immigrants navigated their way through the difficult transition of 
assimilation in America, St. John Nepomucene served as a haven of 
security, faith, support and assistance. As immigrants embraced the 
freedoms and ideals of their new nation, St. John Nepomucene served as 
a bridge between two worlds--connecting Fleet Avenue to their homeland 
across the ocean.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor, recognition and 
celebration of the generations of spiritual leaders and parishioners 
who founded, supported and sustained St. John Nepomucene Church for 100 
years. The leaders and members of St. John Nepomucene Parish, past and 
present, continue their tradition of providing faith and hope to 
individuals and families in and around Fleet Avenue--reflecting light 
and hope throughout our Slavic Village neighborhood, and enriching our 
entire community.

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