[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 87 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. MATTHIAS PARISH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the leaders and members of St. Matthias Parish, of Parma, Ohio, as they 
celebrate twenty-five years of faith, guidance and hope for 
parishioners, and for the greater good of the community.
  Twenty-five years ago, St. Matthias was established by the late 
Bishop James A. Hickey. Bishop Hickey was later appointed to serve as 
Cardinal James A. Hickey. He announced that St. Matthias, a former 
mission parish, would now evolve into a full-fledged parish. Father 
Vincent Moraghan became the first Pastor of the church. On June 28, 
1980, the first Mass was held at Green Valley School in Parma. The 
friendly and warm atmosphere of St. Matthias Parish has remained 
constant through the years. This spirit of cooperation and unity 
brought forth the planning and construction of a new church and 
rectory, completed by 1987. Following Pastor Moraghan's retirement, 
Father Raymond Sutter was appointed as Pastor, and continues his 
service to St. Matthias to this day.
  The leadership and members of St. Matthias are a unified force of 
strength and assistance for many within the parish, and also for those 
in need, outside the parish. Volunteers continue to plan and implement 
programs such as the Volunteer Visitors Program, St. Vincent DePaul 
Society, Red Cross Drives, and the ``Manna'' Fundraiser, all of which 
serve to provide assistance and lift the spirit of individuals and 
families throughout our community.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of every leader and member of St. Matthias Parish, as they celebrate 
twenty-five years of offering spiritual guidance for countless families 
and individuals. Since 1980, the parish has evolved in structure and 
location, yet it remains a steady beacon of light, faith and hope, that 
embraces the spiritual needs and everyday struggles of all 
parishioners.

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