[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA R.C. CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2009

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the work of an outstanding religious institution, St. Anthony of Padua 
R.C. Church in Paterson, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 100th 
Anniversary of dedicated service to its parishioners, and by extension, 
the greater community.
  It is only fitting that St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church Parish be 
honored in this, the permanent record of the greatest democracy ever 
known, for the spiritual home it has provided to American families, 
especially those just embarking on their path to the American dream, 
and the dedication to the entire community that helps keep this deeply 
rooted parish family growing towards the future.
  On December 8, 1909, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Salesian 
Father John Focacci, founding pastor, celebrated the first Mass in a 
small wooden building on Beech Street, Paterson. The parish was then 
called Saint Anthony of Padua Mission Church. From this humble 
beginning, Saint Anthony's ministered to the needs of a growing Italian 
immigrant population in the Sandy Hill section. Over the years, Saint 
Anthony's developed into a modern ecclesiastical and educational 
complex, the result of many sacrifices, hard work and dedication of its 
loyal parishioners.
  Marking its 100th anniversary, Saint Anthony's finds itself once 
again tending to the spiritual and material needs of immigrants, this 
time from the Caribbean and Central and South America, seeking to 
realize the American Dream, parish services now echo English, Italian, 
and Hispanic voices, and trilingual choirs enrich the festive 
liturgies.
  The parish has built its tradition by giving its parishioners 
spiritual roots in their neighborhood, providing a deep sense of 
community to those who have grown in the Church, receiving their 
sacraments there, as well as welcoming newcomers to the surrounding 
area. The St. Bonaventure's parish family has expanded throughout the 
years to include many parishioners who have moved out of the 
neighborhood, but return with their families to worship at the parish. 
I am certain that St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church will continue to 
thrive and enrich not only those who worship there but so many others 
in need throughout the area.
  The Salesian Fathers have withdrawn from the parish after more than a 
century of service. St. Anthony School closed its doors after 85 years 
as an educational Mecca to the neighborhood. Diocesan clergy now serve 
for the first time. Maintaining the parish's physical plant, especially 
the beauty of the House of God, is a constant financial concern. 
Despite these challenges, Saint Anthony's continues undeterred in its 
mission, facing the uncertain future with hope and confidence in the 
parish and their faith. St. Anthony's remains a living monument to 
those who came before and those who are still here.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing the 
efforts of wonderful, thriving communities like St. Anthony of Padua 
R.C. Church Parish.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join all of the parishioners and clergy 
of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church Parish, all those whose faith has 
been enriched throughout the years, and me in recognizing the 
outstanding contributions of St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church Parish to 
the church community and beyond.

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