[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15826]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 15826]]

           KLECZKA HONORS HOME PARISH ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GERALD D. KLECZKA

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, today I honor St. Helen's Catholic Church 
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary.
  St. Helen's was founded on April 6, 1925 by the Rev. Constantine 
Wasniewski and has been a fixture on Milwaukee's south side ever since. 
The church, which began with just 50 parishioners, now serves as the 
place of worship for more than 900 families.
  The parish school, which opened in 1926 with just four Felician 
Sisters, teaching in four small rooms, currently boasts an enrollment 
of 130 students. As a 1957 graduate of St. Helen's, I can personally 
attest to its dedication to education, high moral standards, and the 
preparation of its students for the challenges that lie ahead.
  Polish heritage has always been a cornerstone of the St. Helen's 
community. In fact, for years Polish language classes were a standard 
part of the school's curriculum. Through the work of current pastor, 
Rev. Michael Ignaszak, and many others at St. Helen's parish, that 
emphasis on our Polish culture and traditions continues to flourish.
  St. Helen's is known throughout its neighborhood as not just a 
Catholic parish and parochial school, but as an outstanding member of 
the community. Since 1972 St. Helen's church festival has been a highly 
anticipated annual event. Its monthly fish fries, run entirely by 
volunteers, have become a Friday night tradition.
  However, St. Helen's community involvement runs far deeper than fish 
fries and church festivals. It has been home to Boy Scout Pack 264 
since 1949. Many clubs, such as the 55 & Over Club and the Christian 
Women's Group volunteer their time and efforts to numerous community 
causes. The Human Concerns Committee works closely with the Interfaith 
Caregiving Network to distribute holiday gifts to the elderly and home 
bound in the area.
  And so it is with great pleasure that I join students and 
parishioners, past and present, in congratulating St. Helen's on the 
celebration of its first 75 years, with best wishes for the next 75, 
and beyond.

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