Reverend John R. Gaydos
Bishop of Jefferson City, MO
Sponsor: Rep. Rep. Ike Skelton, (R-AL)
Date of Prayer: 09/12/2002
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to welcome our guest chaplain, the Most Reverend John Raymond Gaydos , bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri. Knowing of his higher calling since he was a young man, Bishop Gaydos has dedicated his life to serving his church and his community.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he attended the St. Agnes School of St. Louis, which is the St. Louis Preparatory Seminary; cardinal Glennon College of St. Louis; and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. Bishop Gaydos was ordained on December 20, 1968 at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.
Bishop Gaydos has been a pastor at several parishes in the St. Louis area, in addition to being secretary to the archbishop and vicar general of the St. Louis archdiocese. He was appointed bishop of Jefferson City, Missouri, in 1997, where he presently serves. He is well known for his leadership within the Church, serving as chairman and member of various archdiocese and national committees.
I welcome Bishop Gaydos to the House of Representatives and thank him for his opening prayer this morning.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
From the eighteenth psalm of King David we read: "The breakers of death surged round about me; the menacing floods terrified me. The cords of Sheol tightened; the snares of death lay in wait for me. In my distress I called out: Lord! I cried out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry to him reached his ears."
Almighty God, the first anniversary has passed. The sorrow abides in our hearts, but it does not dwell there alone. Gratitude abides there, too. We are sorry for the lives lost and the suffering of those who survive. We are grateful for the renewed solidarity and spirit of generosity that has been enkindled across this great country. As we continue the binding up, we experience the power of Your providential care. Make each of us, this day, instruments of Your light and strength for our blessed Nation. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory