[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6387]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATING ST. MARY OF VERNON ON THEIR 30TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 2008

  Mr. KIRK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 30th Anniversary 
of St. Mary of Vernon, a well-established church located in the 10th 
district of Illinois.
  In 1978, Father John Finnegan went to Lake County to establish a new 
parish in the Vernon Hills area. The first Mass took place on August 
15, 1978, in a rented space at Hawthorn Jr. High School. Three years 
later, in 1981, the church moved into their new Worship Center which 
doubled as a building for Mass as well as for social and community 
activities. In December of 2005, the church moved into a new church 
building, fulfilling their dream. Despite the acquisition, the 
congregation takes pride in the fact that it is the people inside the 
church's walls that make St. Mary of Vernon what it is.
  The parishioners of St. Mary of Vernon are dedicated to the Catholic 
education for all ages. Their goal is for all activities and gatherings 
to have a spiritual dimension and regular participation in these 
programs helps develop a community within the church.
  Going beyond themselves, St. Mary of Vernon believes in serving the 
needs of their surrounding community. Through outreach programs, people 
feel welcome in the church at all times. To maximize their impact, they 
also partner up with other congregations and community efforts.
  This year we pause to celebrate the church's 30th Anniversary and 
their impact on our community. I commend St. Mary's for their 
accomplishments over the years and know they will continue to do great 
things in the years to come.

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