[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 22 (Monday, February 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE HOLY ROSARY PARISH OF HAZLETON, PA ON ITS 100TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOU BARLETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 8, 2016

  Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to draw attention to a 
great, iconic Catholic church located in my district, one that was 
vital in my upbringing as a young man. My own Holy Rosary Parish in 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and it 
remains a historic landmark within my congressional district, providing 
generations of people with a place to come together and worship.
   Like many Catholics in the Hazleton area, I have many fond memories 
of events centered in and around Holy Rosary. My grandfather was one of 
the parish founders, and I, myself, took my First Holy Communion there 
and was confirmed in the church. I am a third-generation member of Holy 
Rosary, my children are fourth-generation, and my grandchildren are 
fifth-generation. My personal experiences mirror those of countless 
others from our area, as we share the overall culture the church 
provides for the citizens of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District 
and beyond.
   Founded in April of 1916 as a mission church of Our Lady of Mount 
Carmel, the church was originally established to serve the Italian 
immigrants of Hazleton's south side. Since then, the church has 
continually engaged with the community at large and is regarded as one 
of the most welcoming organizations in the region. To celebrate the 
church's 100th Anniversary, the congregation has embraced a theme of 
remembering the past, celebrating the present, and preserving the 
future.
   Actively involved in the community, the Holy Rosary Parish of 
Hazleton hosts an annual Mass in honor of the Hazleton Fire Department, 
which includes a September 11th memorial service. The church property 
includes a 9-11 Memorial and actual steel from the World Trade Center 
in commemoration of the brave men and women who responded to that day's 
tragic events. The congregation also routinely engages with their 
homebound parishioners--whether it is a priest providing Holy 
Communion, or a youth group member bringing a poinsettia at Christmas 
time. With an eye to the future, the church is also implementing a 
collaborative outreach effort with the purpose of providing evening 
meals and nightly shelter to the community's homeless population during 
the winter months.
   Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the Holy Rosary Parish of 
Hazleton, Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, and I 
commend its congregation, both past and present, for their tireless 
efforts to preserve its longstanding legacy.

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