[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRESSIONAL TRIBUTE TO FATHER STEPHEN PATRICK WISNESKE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an individual who has 
been a spiritual guide for the Catholic community in Menominee, 
Michigan, Father Stephen Patrick Wisneske. On July 1st, ``Father Pat'' 
will be retiring from Holy Spirit Parish, where he has been pastor for 
the last 32 years. Throughout that time, his leadership, his generous 
spirit, and his warm sense of humor have all been important sources of 
inspiration and comfort. He will be sorely missed.
  Father Pat Wisneske was ordained on June 3rd, 1950, embarking on a 
54-year journey in the clergy that touched countless lives in 
Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In 1950 and 1951, he served as an Assistant 
Pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Ironwood, and St. Thomas Parish in 
Escanaba, respectively. In 1953, he began a six year tenure as 
Assistant Pastor at St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish in Iron Mountain, 
Michigan. During this time, he also served as the Chaplain for the VA 
hospital in Iron Mountain. From 1959 to 1963, he was the Administrator 
of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Franklin Mine.
  In 1963, Father Pat became the pastor of St. Stephen Parish in 
Loretto and served there for three years before transferring to St. 
Jude Parish in White Pine, where he also oversaw the St. Ann mission in 
Bergland. After the Bergland mission was transferred to a parish in 
Marenisco in 1967, Father Pat became the temporary administrator of 
Holy Family Parish in Ontonagon until 1972.
  The spring of 1972 was a very tense time for Menominee Catholics as 
they awaited the final outcome of a two year study that would 
eventually consolidate their parishes. When the members of the new Holy 
Spirit Parish learned that Father Pat would be their new pastor, they 
wondered what kind of pastor he would be. It did not take long to 
realize that he was a kind and gentle man who was indeed a ``present'' 
to them. Through the sadness of illness or death, and the joy of 
baptisms, marriages, first communions and confirmations, Father Pat was 
always there to offer guidance, leadership, spirit, faith, and 
friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to his parish assignments, Father Pat was 
always willing to take on additional duties and leadership roles. Over 
the years he has served as the director of the deacon program for the 
diocese, twice as Dean, President of the St. Joseph's Association, and 
a member of the Priest's Council. He has also given of his time to 
serve as a chaplain for different organizations including the VA 
hospital in Iron Mountain, the Knights of Columbus, the Daughters of 
Isabella, and the Civil Air Patrol.
  Another example of Father Pat's leadership has been his unwavering 
commitment to the youth of the community. He has been steadfast in his 
support for Menominee Catholic Central Schools, and he has always 
enjoyed working with young people, recognizing that they are indeed the 
future.
  Those of us who know and love Father Pat have our own special stories 
of this remarkable individual. On a personal note, when tragedy struck 
my family, it was Father Pat who consoled us, reassured us, and 
provided comfort for us in our time of greatest need. Father Pat's 
kindness, spiritual guidance, and love will never be forgotten and we 
will always be indebted to him.
  Mr. Speaker, 32 years after he came to Menominee and Holy Spirit 
Parish, it is time to bid a very fond and difficult farewell to Father 
Pat. He often said that he was energized by his parishioners, but they 
in turn would say they were energized by Father Pat. He was always 
present for us, giving us, the members of our Holy Spirit family, our 
Menominee Community, and our God the best present he could--himself. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in honoring and thanking Father 
Patrick Wisneske for his dedicated service to his parish and the 
Catholic faith community throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

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