[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 179 (Friday, November 8, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1404-E1405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING SAINTS CYRIL AND METHODIUS PARISH ON ITS 135TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 8, 2019

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 135th 
anniversary of Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Lemont, Illinois. 
On Sunday, November 3rd, the church held a celebration to commemorate 
their long history of faith and service to the community, and I am 
pleased to join them.
  Founded in 1884, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has remained an 
unwavering example to our local community. Father Leopold Bonaventura 
Maria Moczygemba established this parish at the direction of the 
Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Patrick Augustine Feehanas. 
Saints Cyril and Methodius became a place of worship to serve the 
spiritual and cultural needs of Lemont's growing Polish-American 
community.
  Father Witusik, who was assigned as an associate pastor in 1979, 
founded the Polish Club of Lemont and helped introduce a Polish Mass at 
Saints Cyril and Methodius to better serve the Polish-speaking 
parishioners. To this clay, the parish continues to support the Polish 
community and its heritage.
  In the 135 years since Father Moczygemba presided over the first 
mass, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish has undergone many renovations 
and improvements to accommodate its ever-growing congregation. In 1898 
and 1928, tragic fires struck Saints Cyril and Methodius. Each time the 
parishioners banded together to ensure that the church was rebuilt. 
This endeavor required hard work, commitment, and sincerity, all 
unifying characteristics of the church's parishioners.
  What has remained constant through all the changes is the commitment 
of Saints Cyril and Methodius's parishioners to come together and work 
towards the fulfillment of their faith and the betterment of their 
community. This hard work has not gone unnoticed by the local community 
who benefit from the services that the church provides. The parish has 
a Ministry of Care which provides prayer, comfort, and healing to those 
who are unable to physically attend Mass. Father Stawiarski and his 
congregation also organize the Helping Hands program to distribute food 
items and other products to those in need.

[[Page E1405]]

  In addition to the Parish, Saints Cyril and Methodius School serves 
our community and provides the children of Lemont an opportunity for an 
outstanding Catholic education. The school has been honored with the 
prestigious 2019 U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon 
School Award. In 1982, the Department of Education established the 
National Blue Ribbon Schools Program to recognize a select group of 
public and private schools with high or significantly improved 
achievement. I am proud that Saints Cyril and Methodius School has been 
honored as one of these exceptional schools.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Saints 
Cyril and Methodius Parish on its 135th anniversary and congratulating 
the Parish on its many accomplishments. May Saints Cyril and Methodius 
continue their great work in the community, while inspiring others 
through their dedicated service and faith.

                          ____________________