[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. HELENA CATHOLIC CHURCH

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 6, 2006

   Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the parish community of St. Helena Catholic Church, as members and 
leaders celebrate one hundred years of faith and hope throughout 
Cleveland's west side neighborhoods.
  Throughout the past century, St. Helena Parish has served as a 
spiritual refuge for Americans of Romanian heritage, and was 
established as the first Romanian Catholic Church built on American 
soil.
  The ministry of St Helena began in 1906, with a mission focused on 
supporting the spiritual and cultural needs of Romanian immigrant 
families who settled in Cleveland. Since that time, a number of pastors 
and parishioners have served as critical guides in the journey of the 
faithful at St. Helena Church. Over the years, this close-knit parish 
community has evolved and grown, and its faithful members have survived 
numerous struggles and hardships. Generations of Romanian Americans 
have assimilated into American culture, with the support and guidance 
of the leaders and members of St. Helena Catholic Church.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of every past and current member and spiritual leader of St. Helena 
Catholic Church. In 1906, as today, St. Helena parish continues to 
provide a haven of faith, guidance, renewal and support for hundreds of 
families, along Cleveland's near Westside and far beyond.

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