[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 106 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING ST. SYMPHOROSA PARISH ON ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Symphorosa 
Parish in Chicago, IL. Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of 
participating in the 80th anniversary celebration mass at this 
distinguished parish, which has been a pillar of faith and service in 
Chicago since 1927. I am especially proud to thank St. Symphorosa for 
providing me with a strong moral and academic education in church and 
at the parish grammar school.
  The Archbishop of Chicago established St. Symphorosa to provide a 
multi-ethnic, American parish for the Clearing neighborhood on 
Chicago's southwest side. Under the leadership and guidance of Father 
J. Leo Sharp, the new parish celebrated its first Sunday Mass on June 
19, 1927.
  Without a church of its own, the parish initially met in the Clearing 
Town Hall until construction of a new church could be completed in 
September 1928. Once the building complex was completed, St. Symphorosa 
School opened under the guidance of four Benedictine sisters. The 
parish and school have since changed locations, but the school remains 
open, educating and serving the community's youth.
  The parish rendered noble service during the Great Depression. 
Although forced to sell some of the parish's land to keep the church 
open, Father Sharp and the Benedictine sisters ministered to needy 
families by collecting and distributing clothing. In 1943, the parish 
received a new pastor, Father Anthony Harte, who presided over the 
parish's expansion in the wake of World War II. By the time Father 
Harte retired in 1967, St. Symphorosa had added five buildings to the 
parish property, the parish population had tripled, and the school had 
over 1,600 students.
  Father Francis Maniola became the parish's third pastor, and brought 
the changes of the Second Vatican Council to St. Symphorosa. To 
strengthen the parish's ability to serve its members and the community, 
Father Maniola added new programs to the parish that included the Super 
Club, the Altar & Rosary Sodality, and Widows and Widowers. His 
successors, Father John McNamara and Father Marc Pasciak, encouraged 
lay participation in the parish and established a parish council and 
staff.
  Today, St. Symphorosa Parish is as vibrant as ever, and the parish 
continues to serve the worship needs of over 2,400 families in Clearing 
and surrounding communities. The St. Symphorosa Family Fest, its major 
celebratory event, has grown into one of the largest parish festivals 
in the Chicago Archdiocese.
  It is my honor to recognize St. Symphorosa on the occasion of its 
80th anniversary. The parish has fulfilled Father Sharp's vision of a 
proud community that works together, learns together, and worships 
together. With its legacy of remarkable pastors and committed 
parishioners, the parish has truly become a ``Family Celebrating 
Faith.''

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