Reverend Dr. Kate Braestrup
Maine Warden Service
Lincolnville, ME
Sponsor: Rep. Michael Michaud, (D-ME)
Date of Prayer: 01/24/2012
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to welcome Reverend Kate Braestrup to the House of Representatives.
In 1996, Kate's husband, Maine State Police Trooper James ‘‘Drew'' Griffith, was tragically killed in a car accident while on duty. At the time of his death, Drew was beginning to prepare to become a Universalist Unitarian minister. Kate decided to pursue Drew's dream and began attending the Bangor Theological Seminary in 1997. She was ordained in 2004.
Since 2001, Kate has served as the chaplain for the Maine Warden Service, providing counsel for the families of loved ones lost in Maine's wilderness. An accomplished writer and minister, Kate has authored several books, including the national best seller ‘‘Here If You Need Me.''
Kate is a true asset to our State. Her remarkable devotion to helping others has made her an invaluable public servant and a beloved member of the community.
It is my honor to welcome Reverend Braestrup to the House.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
St. Francis of Assisi advises us to pray constantly. If necessary, he says, use words.
God, our prayer today arises from a house of words, from a Nation rooted in words. We do not derive our identity as Americans from our color or our creed, from our wealth or power, nor even from the land itself, though we do love the land.
Rather, by Your grace, America is America through its words: That all men are created equal, that all are endowed with inalienable rights––life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness––these beautiful, necessary words.
God, may every word spoken and written from this Chamber contain an echo of those words. May our words, too, be necessary and true. May our words remember and inspire the brave, compassionate action that is and always has been America's finest prayer .
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory