Reverend Michael D. Gutierrez
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Baldwin Park, CA
Sponsor: Rep. Grace Napolitano, (D-CA)
Date of Prayer: 04/26/2017
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce to the House and bid welcome to Father Mike Gutierrez today. He is the pastor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and school in the city of Baldwin Park in California. Thank you, Father, for coming from Baldwin Park and for the wonderful prayer.
Father Mike, as he is known––he doesn't use Gutierrez––leads a parish of 10,000 families with a focus on Filipino and Hispanic communities. He has increased participation in religious and educational programs, youth and family ministry, and allows the church to bring attention and encourage activism on issues impacting the area.
He is an integral part of the 32nd District's, my district, annual immigration clinic event and is known for his joviality and smiling consistently.
Since my move to the California 32nd, he has been helpful in many
issues and events that I have put forth, recognized by the California State Legislature and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for support of social issues.
Father, thank you. Thank you for today's blessing and for the work you do to spread and promote Gospel throughout the San Gabriel Valley.
May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
God, source of goodness and mercy, today we pray that You touch the minds and hearts of the Members of Congress.
Grant them wisdom and insight to make effective decisions that benefit the common good of our Nation, respecting all ethnicities, genders, and faith traditions.
We pray, Lord, that our Representatives may listen to one another so that they may seek what is good and true for all people. We ask You,Lord, to guide them and grant them courage to act in peace and justice so that other nations may see the goodness of our Nation and our leaders.
God, may this day be a continual exchange of ideas and prosperous debate, that people may see that our Representatives are being guided by You, God, and that Your wisdom be reflected in their decisions.
We lift up this prayer in Your holy name. Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory