[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING ST. PAUL'S PARISH

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
wish to recognize St. Paul Roman Catholic Church of the Diocese of 
Scranton, PA, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. Saint Paul's 
church and school have been a place of worship and education for my 
family for generations.
  St. Paul's Parish, of the Green Ridge Section of Scranton, was 
created by Bishop Reverend William O'Hara in 1887 as the sprawl from 
the center city of Scranton commenced with growth in the anthracite 
coal industry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The first mass, on March 1, 
1887, was attended by 300 people.
  A more permanent church, which included classroom space and an 
auditorium, was built just 3 years later in 1890. In 1892, the Sisters 
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary began teaching at the school and 
continue to do so today. A convent was built for the sisters in 1898.
  After 38 years, the building that housed the church and school became 
insufficient, and in 1928, St. Paul School was built and is still in 
operation. As Green Ridge's population continued to grow, the parish 
built St. Clare School in 1952, St. Clare Church in 1955, and St. Clare 
Convent in 1958. Finally, St. Paul's current church was built in 1952 
and was renovated in 1999 2000.
  Under the current leadership of Monsignor William Feldcamp, St. 
Paul's Parish remains vibrant with over 4,500 members.
  I wish the entire St. Paul community my best as Bishop Joseph C. 
Bambera celebrates the 125th anniversary mass on Sunday, March 4, 
2012.

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