[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING FATHER J. PATRICK GAZA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 16, 2013

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and admiration 
that I stand before you today to recognize Father J. Patrick Gaza, 
Pastor of Saints Monica and Luke and Saint Mark Catholic Churches in 
Gary, as he celebrates his retirement after 44 years of selfless 
service to the Catholic Church and the countless individuals he has 
ministered to throughout his life. Father Pat will be honored at a 
retirement reception on Sunday, July 21, 2013, at Avalon Manor in 
Merrillville, Indiana.
   Father Gaza dedicated his life to becoming a priest from the time of 
his studies at Saints Peter and Paul School in Merrillville. Since 
then, he has not faltered in his commitment to God and to serving the 
people of his community, especially those most in need. He completed 
his higher education at Our Lady of the Lake Seminary in Wawasee, 
Indiana, Saint Meinrad College in Saint Meinrad, Indiana, and 
Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. In 1968, Father Gaza was 
ordained a Catholic priest at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. 
Through his experiences as an instructor of religion at Bishop Noll 
Institute in Hammond, as well as his supervision of theological field 
education at the North American College in Rome, Father Gaza has 
contributed tremendously to the religious schooling of youth. These 
stand as just a few teaching experiences among his extensive 
contributions to the younger generation.
   In 1992, Father Patrick Gaza became Pastor of Saints Monica and Luke 
Catholic Church. With his devoted guidance, the church has thrived in 
the community and has expanded its community outreach efforts. In 2007, 
Father Pat was also assigned Pastor of Saint Mark Catholic Church in 
Gary. Throughout the years, Father Gaza has served in various 
organizations throughout Northwest Indiana and Gary, including the 
LaPorte County FEMA Food Program, the Gary Ten Point Coalition, the 
Gary Urban Enterprise Association, the Gary branch of the NAACP, 
Rebuilding Together, and the Catholic Youth Organization. Father Gaza's 
involvement with these organizations evidences his absolute commitment 
to minister and tirelessly work and advocate on behalf of ``the least 
amongst us.'' Those who are without, those who suffer physically or are 
challenged physiologically, and those who need spiritual guidance have 
always found compassion, warmth, and a generosity of spirit in Father 
Pat. Father J. Patrick Gaza is a gifted, Godly, and good man. For his 
constant and passionate devotion to his God, his church and his flock, 
Father is worthy of our profound respect and gratitude.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring Father Patrick Gaza for his lifetime of leadership 
and selfless service to others. Saints Monica and Luke and Saint Mark 
Catholic Churches, the community of Gary, and all of Northwest Indiana 
have certainly been blessed by the good work of Father Gaza.

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