[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MONSIGNOR JOSEPH CHAMPLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2008

  Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
of one of Syracuse's most beloved priests, Monsignor Joseph Champlin, 
who passed away on January 17 at the age of 77.
  Throughout his life Father Joe was dedicated not only to the 
priesthood and his faith, but also to the people and communities he 
served.
  Ordained in 1956, Father Joe served for 50 years in the Syracuse 
Diocese. He served as pastor in three parishes, including as rector of 
the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from 1995 until his 
retirement in 2005. Even in retirement, Msgr. Champlin was active in 
the church and the community. In 2006 he became priest in residence at 
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Warners, New York.
  Father Joe was known worldwide for being a prolific writer. He wrote 
more than 62 books and pamphlets on liturgy, pastoral theology, love, 
and marriage. In fact, Father Champlin's ``Together for Life'' 
continues to lead Catholic couples across the country and around the 
world through preparation for marriage.
  In addition to his success as a writer, Msgr. Champlin remained 
committed to the people of the greater Syracuse area throughout his 
life. In 1997 he founded the Guardian Angel Society, which provides 
tuition assistance, technological updates, and other improvements to 
the former Cathedral School in Syracuse. He raised more than $2 million 
for the program, and for that effort he was awarded the President's 
Volunteer Service Award by President George W. Bush in 2005. He also 
received the Post-Standard Achievement Award in 2005 and the Temple 
Adath Yeshurun Citizen of the year award this past October.
  Msgr. Champlin's commitment to the Catholic Church and the people 
that he served is unquestionable. He was a beloved priest and friend, 
and will be sorely missed.

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