[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING SISTER PATRICIA FISCHER, O.P.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize a woman 
of God, Sister Patricia Fischer, O.P. for her outstanding contributions 
in the field of education and religion.
  Sister Patricia was born in Adrian, Michigan. She attended St. Joseph 
Catholic Elementary School, and graduated from Adrian Catholic Central 
High School. She received her Bachelor of Administration degree from 
Sienna Heights University in Adrian, and her Masters degree in 
Educational Leadership from Wayne State University, Detroit. Sister 
Patricia also holds several certificates of completion for courses in 
Theology, Scripture, and Spirituality.
  Sister Patricia, as a member of the Adrian Dominican Sisters took her 
first profession of vows on December 29, 1961 under the religious name 
of Sister Janice Ann. Her final profession was made on December 29, 
1966. In 1969 she resumed her baptismal name of Patricia Ann Fischer. 
Sister Patricia's educational ministry began in Illinois. She held the 
position of teacher at St. Joseph School, Homewood, St. Lawrence 
School, and St. Carthage School of Chicago, and the Infant Jesus of 
Prague School, Flossmoor. Upon her reassignment to Michigan she 
accepted a position teaching at St. Leo School in Detroit. In 1975, she 
began a 29-year tenure as principal of St. John the Evangelist School 
in Fenton. Upon stepping down from her position as principal, Sister 
Patricia will return to the Motherhouse as an administrator. Sister 
Patricia has received numerous awards for her invaluable service and 
dedication to the community. She was honored by the Knights of 
Columbus, St. John the Evangelist Parish, St. John the Evangelist 
School, and the Principals Academy of Washington, DC. In addition to 
her position as principal of St. John Evangelist School, she sits on 
the Board of Admissions for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, on the board 
of St. Joseph Academy in Adrian, and serves as Co-Chair for the Diocese 
of Lansing Diocesan Services Appeal. Sister Patricia is also a St. John 
Evangelist RENEW Leader (Faith Formation), as well as a member of 
several St. John the Evangelist Parish committees, and she is a member 
of the Diocese of Lansing School Accreditation Teams. Sister Patricia 
is without a doubt a counselor, spiritual advisor and a friend to many. 
Our community is certainly a better place because of her presence.
  I know Sister Pat would want me to point out that the love, prayers 
and support of her family has greatly contributed to her overall 
success. She has three sisters, Nancy Cochran, Janice Mann, and Martha 
Sue Marquis. She has several aunts including her mother's sister, 
Sister Clarine, S.S.N.D. and eight nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 
108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute and congratulating 
Sister Patricia Fischer upon her retirement from the Catholic School 
System. Sister Pat has inspired many in the field of education. She has 
and continues to serve the Lord with the greatest devotion. I pray that 
the Lord will continue to bless Sister Patricia as she carries on her 
quest to spread the word of God to all.

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