[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 7519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO MONSIGNOR
                            JOSEPH P. KELLY

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Monsignor 
Joseph P. Kelly, a dear friend and spiritual advisor, for his decades 
of extraordinary service in helping others and working to secure the 
common good. Fifty years ago, Monsignor Kelly was ordained as a priest 
in the Diocese of Scranton. Since then, he has touched the lives of 
thousands of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Nebraska. He is 
been a servant leader, one whose profound faith is demonstrated in his 
works. I would like to take this time to wish him the best on this 
milestone and reflect on his selfless commitment to enriching the lives 
of others.
  Over the decades, he has worked in a variety of diocesan assignments 
and always in a position to teach students or his congregation. As an 
educator at Holy Rosary School and the Scranton Preparatory School, he 
spent 25 years teaching religion to eighth graders and high school 
seniors. He has served as pastor of several parishes, including St. 
Catherine's Moscow, Holy Rosary, St. Ann's, and Nativity of Our Lord. 
In addition, Monsignor Kelly served as the Episcopal vicar of Hispanic 
ministry for the Diocese of Scranton. He has also led Catholic Social 
Services, St. Michael's School for Boys, and Camp St. Andrew, where he 
cofounded Project Hope. At one time, Project Hope sent as many as 700 
low-income and at-risk youth to Camp St. Andrew, providing summer camp 
experiences for young people who otherwise would not be able to afford 
the program.
  Service and serving others is not only a deed, it has been a way of 
life for Monsignor Kelly. Although Monsignor Kelly retired from leading 
Catholic Social Services at the end of 2015, he currently is the 
executive director of the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton, 
PA. He is committed to responding to the needs of those living in 
poverty in America. I commend his lifelong efforts to foster compassion 
and promote human dignity for all people, at all stages of life. 
Monsignor Kelly's reputation for integrity is reflected in his work 
with the poorest, most vulnerable, and most marginalized members of our 
communities.
  Over the past 50 years, his life has been one of compassion, selfless 
service, and a steadfast commitment to justice. On behalf of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I commend Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly for 
this milestone and wish him only the best in the days and years 
ahead.

                          ____________________