[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3230-S3231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                  TRIBUTE TO FATHER RICHARD J. KELLEY

 Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor 
my friend, Father Richard J. Kelley, a Catholic priest who has devoted 
decades of service in parishes across New Hampshire. It is my privilege 
to congratulate him as he celebrates his 40th anniversary of ordination 
to priesthood.
  Father Kelley was born in Boston, MA, on May 10, 1943. He was raised 
in Needham and West Roxbury and graduated from Catholic Memorial High 
School in 1961. His seminary studies took place at the Holy Apostles 
Seminary in Cromwell, CT, and Catholic University in Washington, DC.
  In addition to his commitment to the Catholic Church, Father Kelley 
has always reached out to help those in need. Before his ordination to 
priesthood, he spent time performing inner-city social work in Kansas 
City, MO. Shortly thereafter, Father Kelley was ordained to priesthood 
on May 20, 1972, at the St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, NH.

[[Page S3231]]

  Since offering his first Mass at St. Joseph Church in his hometown of 
Needham, Father Kelley has spent many years serving parish churches in 
cities and towns across New Hampshire. As an associate pastor, he led 
Seacoast parishioners at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Parish in 
Hampton and St. Michael Parish in Exeter. He also served at St. Joseph 
Cathedral in Manchester.
  On October 7, 1985, Father Kelley was appointed to his first 
pastorate at St. Catherine Parish in Charlestown, followed by over a 
decade of service at St. Patrick Parish in Jaffrey. So many New 
Hampshire parishes have been blessed to have Father Kelley's guidance, 
and his message of faith and devotion has touched many lives.
  Since 2000, Father Kelley has served as the Pastor of St. Christopher 
Parish in my hometown of Nashua. In addition to his role as leader of 
the parish, Father Kelley is also a familiar face to the students at 
St. Christopher's Catholic School, where his patience, kindness, and 
humility serve as an inspiring example.
  The impact of Father Kelley's 40 years of service can perhaps best be 
witnessed every Christmas. He receives hundreds of holiday cards from 
parishioners and friends he has met throughout his lifetime. He hangs 
up each one to decorate the walls and doors of his office, completely 
covering each surface and eventually spilling into the hallways. This 
seasonal collage reflects the many valued friendships he has cultivated 
throughout his career.
  Father Kelley's impact continues to reach far beyond the parish 
walls. In addition to his responsibilities at St. Christopher's, he has 
assisted other community members through his service as the Nashua 
Police Department chaplain, as a former board member of Harbor Homes, 
and through his continued support of Catholic Memorial High School.
  I am honored to recognize Father Richard Kelley as his many friends 
help him mark his 40th anniversary of ordination to priesthood. His 
loyalty and dedication to the Catholic Church and to his parishioners 
is unwavering--St. Christopher's is blessed and fortunate to have his 
guidance. I am grateful for Father Kelley's leadership and his many 
years of service to the Catholic Church in communities across New 
Hampshire.

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