[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 52 (Thursday, May 4, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING REV. JOHN S. KRAFCHAK ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 50TH 
              ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PAUL E. KANJORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2006

  Mr. KANJORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask you and my esteemed 
colleagues in the House of Representatives to pay tribute to the Rev. 
John S. Krafchak, pastor of St. Mary of Czestochowa Church, Nanticoke, 
Pennsylvania, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary of ordination to 
the priesthood on May 26, 2006.
  Father Krafchak was born in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1931, a son 
of Ann Marie Potempa and John Krafchak. He graduated from St. Ann's 
Monastery High School in West Scranton. He attended St. Mary's College, 
Orchard Lake, Michigan; St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, 
Maryland. He was ordained on May 26, 1956, in St. Peter's Cathedral, 
Scranton, by then Bishop Jerome D. Hannon.
  Father Krafchak was first assigned as assistant pastor at Holy Name 
of Jesus Church, Swoyersville, Pennsylvania. He was later transferred 
to St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke and then to St. Hedwig's Church, 
Kingston. Following that assignment, he was transferred to St. Mary's 
Church of the Maternity in Wilkes-Barre. In 1974, he was named 
administrator at Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Sugar Notch and, in 1983, 
was named pastor at St. Mary's Church in Nanticoke, where he is 
presently.
  Over the years, he taught at Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre 
and West Side Central Catholic High School in Kingston.
  Father Krafchak is well known as a ``people's priest'' because of how 
intensely he has worked with his parishioners on a myriad of projects 
and issues.
  Over the years, Father Krafchak was especially interested in building 
his parish's religious education programs as well as the marriage 
preparation and family life programs. He was also very concerned about 
parish restoration and expansion projects as well as stabilizing parish 
finances. At his present parish, he oversaw the construction of a new 
rectory in 1986.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Father Krafchak on a 
remarkable priestly career. His devotion to his chosen vocation and his 
commitment to the people he served is an inspiration for others in the 
value of selfless service. Father Krafchak has left an indelible mark 
on the lives of thousands in northeastern Pennsylvania and, in the 
process, has earned their eternal love and respect.

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