Reverend Dr. Christopher D. Girata
St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church
Dallas, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Jeb Hensarling, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 10/25/2017
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, it is my true honor to introduce and
recognize our guest chaplain today, Father Chris Girata. I am honored because he is my rector, the rector of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, Texas, where my family and I have
worshiped for over 20 years.
Although he has been our rector for only a little over a year, Father Girata has brought a renewed spirituality and passion to our parish.
His enthusiasm for God's Word and will is infectious to us all. His sense of humor always brightens our day, and he leads by example.
As one parishioner put it, Mr. Speaker: "He is a true voice for the
powerless and poor and is constantly challenging us to even better walk as Christ did." And whether it is through our service at the Jubilee Park and Community Center in South Dallas, the millions in charity
provided through the St. Michael's Woman's Exchange, or any of the
other ministries or outreach projects of our parish, under Father Chris Girata, Saint Michael is more humbly and effectively serving God's children.
And as we do, Father Girata leads us not to just serve our neighbors' physical needs, but to serve their spiritual needs as well. I am grateful that his prayer and his example could be shared with the House today.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of this life and ask Your blessing upon the world You have made. Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble.
Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance that we may use our liberty in accordance with Your gracious will. Guide all who govern and hold authority in this Nation, and kindle in every heart that true love of peace.
Make our lives a sign of Your love to this broken world, that unity may overcome estrangement, forgiveness, heal guilt, and joy conquer despair. Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all Your children are united one to another, may be so transformed by Your grace that Your will may be done on Earth as it is in heaven.
All this, we ask in the name of God, our creator, redeemer, and sustainer.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory