[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8665]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   HONORING ST. FRANCIS PRAYER CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2000

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak on behalf of a group 
of people who have made the community a truly joyous place to live. On 
Saturday, May 20, the St. Francis Prayer Center in Flint, Michigan, 
will celebrate their 25th Anniversary.
  For many years, Father Phil Schmitter and Sister Joanne Chiaverini 
have worked diligently to do the Lord's work throughout the Flint 
community. Their selfless nature is tremendous and the compassion they 
show is indescribable. When creating the St. Francis Prayer Center in 
1975, they were committed to simple goals: they wanted a central 
location where even the poor could walk, where they could provide 
guidance and promote spirituality regardless of denomination, and work 
to help bridge the gap between racial and religious lines. As a 
lifelong Flint resident, I am happy to say that their efforts have 
indeed improved understanding, acceptance, and genuine positive regard 
within the city of Flint, and the surrounding communities. They have 
provided a resource that we all can be very proud of. They have helped 
people come closer to God and to one another.
  Also, the accomplishments of St. Francis would not be as strong if 
not for the work of the members of the Prayer Center Board and the many 
volunteers who are always there to lend a helping hand. These people 
also give much of themselves to further the impact that the center 
makes.
  Mr. Speaker, our community would not be the same without the presence 
of Father Phil Schmitter, Sister Joanne Chiaverini, and the St. Francis 
Prayer Center. Just as I consider it an honor and a pleasure to serve 
here as a Member of Congress, they also understand the joy of serving. 
I am pleased to ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in 
congratulating them on 25 wonderful years, and wish them success toward 
the next 25.

                          ____________________