[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Michael's 
Church in Long Branch, New Jersey as the parishioners celebrate the 
125th Anniversary. St. Michael's Church has a rich and formidable 
history of serving the needs of the community. Historically noteworthy, 
St. Michael's main altar was given in memory of Mr. Francis Anthony 
Drexel, banker and great philanthropist of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Drexel and his family summered at West End. His daughter, Mother 
Katherine Drexel, was the founder of the Sisters of the Blessed 
Sacrament. She was later canonized as a saint of the church on October 
1, 2000. Mother Katherine Drexel decided to enter the Religious Life 
while residing in parish territory. The mosaic in her honor can be 
found in the vestibule of the Church.
  Originally formed as a ``mission church'' in 1886, St. Michael's was 
an extension of the Star of the Sea Church in Long Branch, New Jersey. 
However, members of the church community soon saw the need to expand 
and serve a growing population. By 1892, St. Michael's relinquished its 
status as a mission church and became an independent entity. Reverend 
Richard Crean served as the church's first pastor. Since then, St. 
Michael's Church has been served by many accomplished priests. Today, 
Reverend Charles B. Weiser leads the members of the St. Michael's 
Church and gathers a vibrant community where members passionately 
practice the Catholic faith.
  St. Michael Church's original parishioners were predominantly the 
Irish Catholic. Today, the parish reflects a diverse ethnic population 
located throughout Long Branch and Monmouth County. Often referred to 
as a ``metropolitan church'', the congregation has continued to welcome 
new members and the St. Michael's Church family has grown exponentially 
in the past years.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in acknowledging 
St. Michael's Church as the parishioners celebrate their 125th 
Anniversary. The St. Michael's community is tremendously valued in my 
district and the State of New Jersey.

                          ____________________