[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E695-E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH 
                        ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Ascension 
Church in Mocanaqua, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, as parishioners 
prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church's founding 
on June 11.
  In May of 1906, a group of Slovak men formulated plans to raise funds 
and build a church to accommodate the needs of their families and 
neighbors.
  Land was purchased and the cornerstone was laid in October, 1906. The 
church was formally dedicated in October, 1907, by the Most Rev. 
Michael J. Hoban, then bishop of the Scranton Catholic Diocese. He was 
assisted by Right Rev. John S. Sobota, Rev. Matthew Jankola and Rev. 
Joseph Murgas. The church cemetery was purchased and blessed in 1915.
  Monsignor Sobota, then pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Nanticoke, 
served the Church of the Ascension from 1907 to 1926 when Rev. Daniel 
Gregga was named the first resident pastor. Parishioners bought a lot 
and built a rectory which was replaced by a new rectory in 1930.
  Other pastors who served the Church of the Ascension include Rev. 
Andrew Sporinsky, Rev. Andrew Liktor, Rev. Joseph Gavenda, Rev. 
Aloysius Baloga, Rev. Michael Krupar, Rev. Joseph Podskoc, Rev. Cyril 
Frankovich, Rev. Stephen Yaneka, Rev. John Zipay, Rev. John Fabian, 
Rev. Edward Liptock, Rev. Stephen Medwick, Rev. Louis Garbacik, Rev. 
Francis Skitzki, Msgr. John Balberchak, Rev. Carl Prushinski, Rev. 
Gerald McGlone, Rev. Thomas Skotek, Rev. Michael Zipay, Rev. Anthony 
Generose and Rev. Joseph Kakareka.
  Over the years, the parish properties have seen many improvements and 
expansions. In 1999, the church underwent major renovation. Central air 
conditioning was installed, the

[[Page E696]]

sanctuary was disassembled and rebuilt, new carpeting was laid, the 
church was rewired, pews were renovated, the church interior was 
repainted and handicapped access was made available.
  In the latest restructuring in 2005, the Church of the Ascension now 
shares its pastor, Rev. Kakareka, with two other nearby parishes.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the parishioners of the 
Church of the Ascension, both past and present, for their fortitude and 
devotion that has resulted in the continuous existence of a proud 
parish for the past century. It is the faith, integrity and dedication 
of people like those who belong to the Church of the Ascension that has 
contributed to making this Nation great. And we are thankful to them 
for that wonderful gift.

                          ____________________