The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend Michael Caridi

Mary, Mother of the Church
Charleroi, PA

Sponsor: Rep. Frank Mascara, (D-PA)
Date of Prayer: 09/27/2000

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. MASCARA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Father Michael Caridi of Mary, Mother of the Church, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and his brothers, Gregory and Jamie Caridi, to our Nation's Capital.

Thank you, Father Michael, for your inspiring prayer . I am sure it will be comforting to all of us as we proceed with our legislative business today.

I would also like to extend a special greeting to Father David Dzermejko, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church. Father David also served as a guest chaplain here several years ago.

I would also like to thank the House chaplain, Father Daniel Coughlin, for making the arrangements for Father Michael's visit.

Father David and Father Michael have been true spiritual leaders of our parish.

I wish to extend my best wishes to the parish family in Charleroi. Be assured, be assured, that I will take good care of Father Michael during his visit to Washington, DC.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as this venerable assembly of representatives convenes this day to offer guidance and leadership to our Nation, we beseech Your divine presence among us and ask You to send Your blessings upon these men and women who so generously devote themselves to helping and serving others.

We ask that, prompted by Your Spirit, they will make decisions that further the ideals upon which this Nation was founded, decisions which respect the inherent dignity of every human being residing within our borders, irrespective of age, race, creed or social class.

May their work this day be pleasing in Your sight and may it bring about an increase of peace, justice and prosperity, not only in our own land, but throughout the whole world. Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory