[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E195-E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE ON THE RETIREMENT OF BISHOP JAMES H. GARLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding man of faith, The Most Reverend James H. Garland, the 
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Marquette. On December 13, 2005, 
Bishop Garland officially retired as the Bishop of Marquette; serving 
as Diocesan Administrator until January 25, 2006, when The Most 
Reverend Alexander K. Sample was ordained and installed as the twelfth 
Bishop of Marquette. On February 26, 2006, the Diocese of Marquette 
will host a retirement gathering for Bishop Garland to show their 
appreciation for his ministry and leadership. Bishop Garland has been 
committed to the ministry and service for the Diocese of Marquette for 
13 years, and 47 years as an ordained priest. Bishop Garland's 
contribution to the Catholic Church and his faith has touched so many 
lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and beyond.
  Bishop Garland was born to Ada and Leo Garland on December 13, 1931. 
Growing up on a farm in Wilmington, OH, young James Garland learned the 
value of hard work by sharing chores with his four brothers and two 
sisters. That Midwest work ethic would come in handy years later when 
he studied at Ohio State University. In 1953, Bishop Garland graduated 
from Ohio State receiving a bachelor's degree in Education.
  Immediately upon graduating, Bishop Garland began studying at the 
seminaries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and in 1960 received a 
Master's Degree in Philosophy from Mount Saint Mary's Seminary of the 
West. Several years later in 1965, he went on to obtain a Master's 
Degree in Social Work from the Catholic University of America in 
Washington, D.C.
  Bishop Garland served in several parishes after being ordained to the 
priesthood for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on August 15, 1959.

[[Page E196]]

Through the years, he directed offices of Catholic Charities in 
Springfield and Dayton, OH before directing the Archdiocesan Offices of 
Catholic Charities. On June 2, 1984 Pope John Paul II appointed Bishop 
Garland to the Episcopacy and then, on July 25, 1984, ordained him 
Titular Bishop of Garriana and Auxiliary to the Archbishop of 
Cincinnati. At the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, he directed the 
Archdiocesan Departments of Community Services and Pastoral Services.
  It was not until November 11, 1992 that Marquette, MI was blessed 
with the wisdom and guidance of James H. Garland when he was installed 
as the eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. Since that time, 
Bishop Garland has served on the Administrative Committee and Board of 
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. From November 1992 to 
November 1995 he also served as Chairman of the United States Catholic 
Conference Committee for the Campaign for Human Development. From 
November 1995 to November 1997 he served as the Chairperson of the 
Bishops of the Region VI of the National Conference of Catholic 
Bishops.
  During his time as Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, Bishop Garland 
also began the Legacy of Faith to raise $10 million toward the 
Diocese's endowment campaign. To accomplish such a feat, he recruited 
the Bishop's Ambassadors to help achieve the objective of allowing 
future generations the opportunity to experience all that the tradition 
of faith has to offer. Among the many wonderful causes this campaign 
has aided, it has benefited Catholic schools and the Upper Peninsula 
Catholic Social Services. My wife Laurie and I have proudly served as 
Ambassadors humbly assisting with this valiant effort.
  Throughout his nearly 50 years of ministry, Bishop Garland has 
touched many lives and bestowed many lessons of faith. Although Bishop 
Garland is retiring, he will continue to help people and serve his 
faith. He plans to stay in Marquette to remain involved with the 
church. When called upon, he looks forward to substituting for local 
priests and celebrating confirmations.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking Bishop James H. Garland for his service to the Diocese of 
Marquette, to the Holy Catholic Church and his tireless dedication to 
the value of education and involvement in his faith community. Beyond 
the incredible credentials, leadership roles and accomplishments that 
span his lifetime, Bishop Garland has shown unwavering commitment to 
the people he has served. He has truly done God's work through his 
teachings and as a role model for parishioners.

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