[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING FR. THOMAS BERNAS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fr. Thomas 
Bernas, Pastor of St. Richard Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois, for 
his 15 years of dedicated service to the parish.
  Born in 1958 in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Fr. Tom has spent his life 
in service to the local community. Attending St. Pancratius Grammar 
School and then Quigley Preparatory Seminary South, Fr. Tom started his 
Catholic education at an early age. Graduating from high school in 
1976, he enrolled at the Loyola University of Chicago, completing his 
degree at the university in 1980.
  Fr. Tom entered seminary in 1989 at the St. Mary of the Lake Seminary 
in Mundelein, Illinois. Ordained in 1994 at Holy Name Cathedral, seat 
of the Archdiocese of Chicago, by Cardinal Bernardin, Fr. Tom was 
assigned to St. Richard Catholic Church in 1997 as an administrator; 
his conscientious and tireless work for the parish resulted in his 
appointment as pastor in 1999.
  Throughout his 13 year tenure as pastor, Fr. Tom devoted his time and 
energy to improving the community of St. Richard Catholic Church and 
the surrounding area. Through prudent financial practice, he overhauled 
the parish's finances, paying off its debt and keeping it debt-free. 
Upon becoming pastor of St. Richard's, Fr. Tom completed several 
renovation projects initiated by his predecessor that included re-
painting the church, replacing the organ, and installing an elevator to 
facilitate handicapped access. He also oversaw the construction of the 
St. Richard Parish Center that now houses all parish offices and a 
gymnasium used by the St. Richard Grammar School children as well as 
many community groups. Additionally, he supervised a complete 
renovation of the priest's residence and further transformed the health 
of the church with a recent building renovation and floor plan 
reconfiguration to enrich the spiritual experience of all worshippers.
  Fr. Tom has continued to engage in all aspects of community life far 
beyond his expected duties. Each year he has hosted the Archer Heights 
Civic Association Halloween Party for community children in the church 
hall and an annual blessing of Chicago firefghters, paramedics, and 
police officers.
  Through a diligent and caring approach, Fr. Thomas Bernas has 
transformed the fortunes of St. Richard Catholic Church and touched the 
lives of many members of the local community. Please join me in 
celebrating the accomplishments of Fr. Tom, a model citizen and an 
inspiration to us all. I thank him for his service and wish him the 
best as he starts his new assignment at St. Rene Goupil Parish.

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