[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10408]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS, MONSIGNOR JOSEPH SEMANCIK ON 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF 
                               ORDINATION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and sincerity that 
I wish to congratulate Monsignor Joseph Semancik as he celebrates the 
50th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. He will be 
honored by his parishioners with a luncheon following an 11:00 am Mass 
at Sacred Heart Parish in East Chicago, Indiana on Sunday, May 2, 2003.
  A native of Northwest Indiana, Monsignor Semancik was born in Whiting 
on March 3, 1929 to Frank Semancik and Lillian Duray. He attended St. 
John the Baptist School and Catholic Central High School. After 
graduating from high school, Monsignor Semancik's passion for his faith 
led him to study at Sacred Heart Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and 
later at St. Meinrad Seminary in Southern Indiana. He was ordained into 
the priesthood on May 1, 1953, and this important event became a 
stepping stone for his lifelong dedication to the citizens of Northwest 
Indiana.
  Monsignor Semancik began his career as an Assistant Priest for 
Assumption Parish in East Chicago and at St. Catherine of Siena in 
Hammond, Indiana. He was appointed administrator at Sacred Heart Parish 
in 1960, a position he held until being named pastor at Holy Trinity 
Church in Gary in 1969. After five years as pastor for Holy Trinity, 
Monsignor Semancik returned to Sacred Heart as pastor, a position he 
has held to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, in addition to his exceptional efforts to guide his 
congregation at Sacred Heart, Monsignor Semancik also has worked 
extensively with Catholic Charities in Northwest Indiana. He began his 
mission with Catholic Charities in 1960, and was named Diocesan 
Director in 1962, a position he held until 1998. Under his guidance, 
the agency provided social services throughout the four counties that 
comprise Northwest Indiana and expanded to seven offices throughout the 
region. Monsignor Semancik has also served Catholic Charities, USA as a 
member of the Board of Directors, as well as serving as a member of the 
Study Cadre that redirected the mission of Catholic Charities. He also 
ably served as Chairman of various Catholic Charities committees.
  Monsignor Semancik has also enriched the Northwest Indiana community 
through his work in other community organizations, such as serving as 
the President of both the Lake County Economic Opportunity Council and 
the Lake County Community Development Council. He was one of the 
founders of the Indiana Catholic Conference and of the Hospice of the 
Calumet Area. He has received many commendations for his work, 
including the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the highest honor bestowed 
by the Governor of Indiana.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in congratulating Monsignor Joseph Semancik as he 
celebrates the 50th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. 
Monsignor Semancik has been a fixture in Northwest Indiana throughout 
his career in the ministry, and he has touched the lives of many 
throughout the community. His unselfish and lifelong dedication to 
those in need is worthy of the highest commendation, and I am proud to 
represent him in Congress.

                          ____________________