[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                85TH ANNIVERSARY OF SACRED HEART PARISH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I congratulate the congregation of the Sacred Heart Parish in East 
Chicago, Indiana, as they celebrate the 85th anniversary of the 
founding of the parish, as well as the 70th anniversary of the 
dedication of the church. On Sunday, August 28, 2011, a special Holy 
Mass, officiated by Bishop Dale Melczek, will take place at Sacred 
Heart, which will be followed by a celebratory luncheon.
  Sacred Heart was originally known as Mission of Assumption Slovak 
Parish. It was founded in order to meet the spiritual needs of Catholic 
Slovaks in East Chicago, Indiana. From 1926 to 1941, the church held 
Mass, Confession, and other services at various churches in East 
Chicago. Father Clement Mlinarovich began to see a great need to build 
the church in East Chicago, and in May 1941, Bishop John Francis Noll 
dedicated the beautiful church building and new home of Sacred Heart 
Parish. The congregation was overjoyed to have a tremendous place of 
worship and prayer. In addition, parishioners took great pride in the 
new building because so many of them assisted in its construction. 
Father Andrew G. Grutka was the first resident pastor at the newly 
completed church, a position he held from 1942 to 1944, and later 
became the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gary. Following Father 
Grutka, Father Louis Duray and Father Milan Bach made significant 
improvements to the church, which included updating the sanctuary and 
purchasing the priest's home. My good friend and fellow Slovak, 
Monsignor Joseph Semancik, has served the people of Sacred Heart Parish 
since 1960. Over the years, the parish has grown to include members 
from many different ethnicities. During his tenure, Monsignor Semancik 
served as the Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Gary. 
Monsignor Semancik's devoted life of charitable good works is truly 
inspirational. For his struggle to ensure economic justice for all, and 
for passionately serving those in need, he is to be respected and 
admired.
  This August celebration is tinged with sadness because the parish 
will be closing in October. Monsignor Semancik will be retiring as the 
priest of the parish and the congregation will be dispersing to 
neighboring parishes. The past 85 years have been times of grace for 
the members and friends of Sacred Heart Parish, which they have shared 
with the community of East Chicago. Although the parish will be 
closing, the spirit and prayers of its members will be remembered for 
years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring and congratulating Sacred Heart Parish. Throughout 
the years, Sacred Heart has built their congregation and expanded their 
mission, not only by serving the dedicated, loyal parishioners, but 
also by touching the lives of countless members of the surrounding 
community. For their outstanding commitment to serving so many in need, 
the church leaders and parish members are to be highly commended. May 
God continue to bless the parish members and its leaders upon the 
closing of the church and as they move on to the next part of their 
spiritual lives.

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