[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 77 (Thursday, May 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING HOLY TRINITY CROATIAN CHURCH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I recognize Holy Trinity Croatian Church in East Chicago, Indiana, 
as its members celebrate the church's 90th anniversary. The festivities 
for the celebration begin on Sunday, June 3, 2007, with the celebration 
of Mass, followed by a dinner and dance reception at Villa Cesare in 
Schererville, Indiana to celebrate this exceptional milestone.
  On February 14, 1910, a group of men met to discuss building a church 
for the Croatian people in East Chicago. Holy Trinity Lodge became one 
of the main supporters of this project, and it appears to be the reason 
for the church being dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity. The first 
church board, assembled on April 14, 1914, consisted of President 
Nikola Mihalic, Secretary Mate Zivcic and Treasurer Peter Skefich. It 
was at this time that Father Judnic, the first pastor of the parish, 
made arrangements to come to East Chicago on Sundays and offer the Holy 
Sacrifice of the Mass for the Croatian people. With the church 
beginning to grow, the first Baptismal celebration took place on 
November 12, 1916, the first burial on November 22, 1916, and the first 
marriage on November 26, 1916.
  With the completion of the church, the next undertaking was the 
school. The first enrollment in 1918 was 140 children for the first six 
grades. In September 1918, Sisters Anges, Stanislaus, and Catherine, 
the Sisters Adorers of the Most Precious Blood, arrived at Holy 
Trinity. On June 1, 1921, Confirmation was administered for the first 
time in the parish by Bishop Alerding. Father Judnic continued as 
pastor until August 1922, when he was succeeded by Father Francis 
Baboric, who served the congregation until March 1924. On April 15, 
1924, Reverend Francis Podgorsek took over as the new pastor of the 
parish. It was through his leadership that the present rectory was 
erected in 1925. Due to Father Podgorsek's failing health, Father Paul 
F. Bogovich arrived as the first assistant to the parish and served in 
that capacity until he was appointed Acting Pastor on February 6, 1946.
  A monumental event took place at Holy Trinity in 1951, when the First 
Solemn High Mass was offered by the first son of the parish ordained to 
the Holy Priesthood, Father Benjamin Domsich. On March 17, 1963, Father 
Bogovich was vested the title of Very Reverend Monsignor by high 
recommendations from the Most Reverend Andrew G. Grutka. Another 
important historical event for Holy Trinity was the visit made by 
Cardinal Franjo Seper, Archbishop of Zagreb, Yugoslavia, on May 2, 
1966.
  Monsignor Bogovich lived his life for the church. His last Sunday 
Mass took place on May 26, 2002, and was offered in honor of his 62nd 
anniversary in the priesthood. Following his death, Father Matthew Kish 
stepped in and performed the Mass until October 2006. Holy Trinity now 
relies on a number of priests and senior priests to say Sunday Mass.
  On November 19, 2006, the parish family came together to celebrate a 
First Communion Mass, the first of its kind in over a decade. Over the 
years, Holy Trinity has become home to a Girl Scout Troop, has actively 
participated in food drives for various local parishes, and at 
Christmas, has supported Catholic Charities helping needy families. 
Today, Holy Trinity follows in the footsteps of its founders. While 
Holy Trinity still treasures its Croatian customs, it has come to 
reflect the diversity of the surrounding community. Holy Trinity looks 
forward to a bright future and is proud of their many accomplishments.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Holy Trinity Croatian Church on 
its 90th anniversary. Throughout the years, the clergy and members of 
Holy Trinity have dedicated themselves to providing spirituality and 
guidance through the protection of the Croatian traditions and faith. 
Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of our admiration.

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