[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF REVEREND MONSIGNOR EDWARD F. WOJTYCHA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 2003

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Monsignor 
Edward F. Wojtycha for his 65 years of service to the people of New 
Jersey and to the Catholic Church.
  A native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Reverend Monsignor Wojtycha has 
dedicated his life and work to helping the people of Jersey City and 
Bayonne. The Reverend Monsignor began his career in 1938 as a priest at 
St. Vincent's Church in Bayonne. During his 25 years at St. Vincent's, 
he served as administrator for 7 years and oversaw the ordination of 20 
new priests. In 1963, he was appointed pastor of the newly-formed Our 
Lady of Mercy Church in Jersey City, where he helped build a new church 
facility, school, and convent. He then served as pastor of St. Andrew's 
Church in Bayonne until 1970. Reverend Monsignor Wojtycha retired in 
1985. Since 1990, he has continued his service by volunteering at the 
Most Precious Blood Church in Monmouth Beach. He was honored on June 
11, 2003 by the Catholic Community of St. Andrew's Church to mark the 
65th anniversary of his priesthood.
  Reverend Monsignor Wojtycha continues to be a great inspiration to 
the people and the cities he has served. He was a founder of the St. 
Vincent's Drum and Bugle Corps, which has won 10 National 
Championships, 22 State Championships and had the honor of marching in 
all presidential inaugurations from Truman to Kennedy.
  The Reverend Monsignor has been named ``Man of the Year'' by the 
State and National Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus 
Fourth Degree, the Disabled War Veterans, the American Legion, and 
others. He was a recipient of the Governor's Award and the VFW National 
Youth Award, and is in the National Drum Corps Hall of Fame and the New 
Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame. There are two streets named after the 
Reverend Monsignor, one in Jersey City and one in Bayonne.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Reverend Monsignor 
Edward F. Wojtycha for his exceptional service and dedication to the 
people of New Jersey.

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