[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of the St. Joseph the Worker Church, in Fallsington, 
Pennsylvania, for its 50 years of service and continued dedication to 
the Bucks County community.
  The St. Joseph of the Worker Parish was founded by Archbishop--and 
future Philadelphia Cardinal--John F. O'Hara on October 1, 1956. A 
church that once consisted of a small group meeting in a local 
elementary school has now developed into a vibrant and growing 
congregation. In the spirit of St. Joseph, the parish church and school 
are committed to hard work for the betterment of their community--for 
the religious and laity alike.
  Madam Speaker, a strong community can shape the lives of children and 
young adults--something I saw first hand growing up in a working class 
family in Northeast Philadelphia. The St. Joseph the Worker Parish 
School educates 165 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students of 
the Parish community. Through quality education and service projects, 
St. Joseph students learn how to help others and become the leaders of 
the future.
  Over the past 50 years, the parish has helped create a new St. 
Joseph's Home for Boys and the Martha's Cupboard food pantry. The food 
pantry's 12 hardworking volunteers service between 10 and 20 families 
each week with a 2-week supply of non-perishable food. The food is 
contributed largely from parishioners, in addition to school and 
community food drives. In conjunction with other organizations, 
parishioners package and deliver meals, and purchase Christmas gifts 
for local needy families.
  Madam Speaker, the St. Joseph Church and its congregation have long 
served as a model for community service, proving that the efforts of 
the few have profound effects on the many. I offer my congratulations 
as the parish welcomes Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia and 
concludes their 50th anniversary ceremonies on Sunday, September 30, 
2007.
  The motto for the 50th anniversary events, ``Celebrating the Past and 
Embracing the Future,'' embodies the true mission ofthe St. Joseph the 
Worker Church. Madam Speaker, I am honored recognize the church's years 
of history and I thank the parishioners and elergy for their ongoing 
efforts to educate the youth and improve our society. I wish them 
another 50 years of success.

                          ____________________