[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 24701-24702]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



RECOGNIZING THE 97TH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR LADY OF CHARITY ROMAN CATHOLIC 
                                 CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 97th 
Anniversary of the founding of Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic 
Church in Brooklyn, New York. Let me congratulate this ``Faith 
Community of Black Catholics'' who, under the guidance of Father Andrew 
L. Struzzieri, are continuing in the tradition of almost a century of 
dedicated work serving the emotional and spiritual needs of Brooklyn 
residents.
  Since Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic Church was founded, the 
members of the congregation have exemplified the very best in humanity 
through a common commitment to the Christian faith. As one of the 
oldest places of worship in Brooklyn, the congregation has adopted the 
tree as a symbol of the strong roots that Charity members establish to 
better themselves and, ultimately, the community. As is said in 
proverbs:
  He is like a tree planted near running water, that yield fruit in due 
season, and whose leaves never fade. Psalm 1:3 NAB
  Mr. Speaker, Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic Church's reputation 
for being on the leading edge of the development of creative and 
innovative strategies to address human needs at home and abroad is an 
inspiration to us all. For the past three years some of their special 
contributions have been to present Brooklyn Senior High School Youth 
with scholarships and gifts toward their college education. Its Prison 
Ministry continues to be

[[Page 24702]]

dedicated to work towards assisting those in their time of extreme need 
by way of prayer and positive actions. Its Ministers of Service provide 
Eucharist to the sick at Brookdale Hospital and those parishioners who 
are unable to leave their homes.
  In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me again offer my sincere 
congratulations to Kerry Mills, Anniversary Chairperson, and the entire 
congregation of Our Lady of Charity Roman Catholic Church and to 
commend them on their immense contributions during these past 97 years. 
I hope my colleagues will join me in wishing them good fortune and 
continued blessings in the future.

                          ____________________