[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SISTER JOAN KATHLEEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sister Joan 
Kathleen for her continued contributions towards the advancement of the 
intellectually and developmentally disabled. As an educator, mentor, 
and member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oak Ridge, New Jersey, 
Sister Joan has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of others.
  Sister Joan is one of three children and grew up in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania. After graduating from St. Hubert's High School, Sister 
Joan went on to receive her Bachelor's degree at Chestnut Hill College. 
She then taught for several years at local Philadelphia elementary 
schools. After being encouraged by those in her community, Sister Joan 
went on to obtain a Master's degree in special education from Marywood 
University.
  Soon after she received her Master's degree, Sister Joan began to 
minister to those with special needs at St. Patrick School in 
Pottsville, Pennsylvania and at Our Lady of Confidence School in 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  In 1989, Sister Joan joined the staff of the Department for Persons 
with Disabilities. Upon her arrival, Sister Joan was critical in 
establishing the ``People Need Friends'' program, which remains popular 
to this day. Sister Joan also coordinates the ``Catholic Adult 
Religious Education'' program, which provides religious instruction to 
the residents of the Department for Persons with Disabilities.
  Not stopping there, Sister Joan also provides emotional and spiritual 
support to the family members and friends of the residents of the 
Department for Persons with Disabilities. She also provides pastoral 
care to the residents that are too sick to leave the Department for 
Persons with Disabilities nursing facilities. Recently, she has had the 
privilege of organizing the Catholic Charities New Jersey Annual 
Conference and was a member of the Committee for Evangelization under 
Bishop Serratelli.
  For those lucky enough to know Sister Joan personally, they know that 
family means everything to her. Her weekends are often filled with 
trips to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas to celebrate birthdays, 
graduations, and to spend time her sisters and their families. In her 
free time, Sister Joan enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, 
and Scrabble.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
achievements of truly selfless individuals like Sister Joan Kathleen.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Sister Joan's family 
and friends, all those whose lives she has touched, and me in 
recognizing Sister Joan Kathleen.

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