[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15558-15559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER CROATIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate 
Saint Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, as 
it celebrates its 100th anniversary as a parish on Sunday, October 14, 
2012. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Father 
Stephen Loncar, parish pastor, on this special occasion. The 100th 
anniversary festivities will begin with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10 
a.m. at the church, celebrated by the Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, 
Bishop of Gary. After the service, a banquet will be held at the 
Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana.
  I would also like to commend the members of the Saint Joseph the 
Worker Parish Council and Anniversary Committee for the work they have 
put forth in the planning of this momentous event. Members include: 
Robert Balash, John Benich, Larry Brown, Irene Flores, Glenda Garriot, 
Charlene Gyurko, Anne Krpan, Tom Lashenik, Carmen and Frances Lenzo, 
Cheryl Lenzo, Sam and Celeste Linde, Marta McCobb, Marian Nicksich, 
Peter Podnar, Charlene Reynolds, Joe Ruda, Nick and Esther Sanchez, 
Mike Stulac, Guy and Rose Sutton, Kathy Swanson, Rosella Tuszynski, 
Michael Velasco, and Paul Yurkas.
  In 1906, Croatian immigrants, comprised mainly of small business 
owners and steel workers, arrived to the growing city of Gary, Indiana, 
seeking employment opportunities and a better quality of life. Upon 
arrival, the immigrants dealt with numerous obstacles and prejudices, 
including a difficult language barrier. In order to create a sense of 
community with the hope of preserving Croatian heritage and culture, 
they joined together to create their own parish, and in 1913, Holy 
Trinity Croatian Catholic Church was built. The church continued to 
grow over the years due to the unwavering dedication of its leaders and 
parishioners. By 1919, a parochial school was added under the 
leadership of Reverend Charles Jesih of Croatia. Due to the growing 
population, the church continued to expand, and by 1956, under the 
leadership of Father Venceslav Ardes, a new larger church was completed 
and consecrated Saint Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in 
Gary, Indiana. One hundred years ago, the immigrants longed for a 
parish where they could attend mass in their own language and today 
that practice remains. The pioneers would be proud to know that this 
tradition is still alive today.
  The church continues to seek innovative ways to sustain the 
traditions and ideals of the Catholic Church throughout Gary and 
Northwest Indiana. In 2009, Saint Joseph the Worker joined in an 
alliance with the Gary Cluster Parishes, a group formed by pastors and 
commissions with the goal of maintaining the Catholic Church in Gary, 
Indiana.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church on the 
100th anniversary of its founding. Throughout the years, the leaders 
and parishioners of the church, both past and present, have dedicated 
themselves to preserving Croatian tradition and upholding the values of 
their Catholic religion. For their commitment to public service and for 
touching the lives of countless individuals, the leaders and 
parishioners are worthy of the highest praise, and I wish Saint Joseph 
the Worker Catholic Church many prosperous years to come.

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