The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Reverend John C. Garrett

Parish of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony
Hamilton, NJ

Sponsor: Rep. Chris Smith, (R-NJ)
Date of Prayer: 07/16/2008

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

(Mr. SMITH of New Jersey asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to welcome our guest chaplain, Father John Garrett, the parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows–St. Anthony's Church, located in my hometown of Hamilton, New Jersey.

I have known, respected, and admired Father Garrett all of his life. Even as a young man, I was deeply impressed by his innate goodness, generosity, enthusiasm, motivation, tenacity, and above all, deep faith. It was a privilege for me to nominate Father Garrett, then known as J.C., as my first page, way back in the 1981–1982 school year. That's how far back we go.

Throughout his life, Father Garrett has always applied his enormous talents in ways that benefit others. In addition to living and preaching the gospel, he is also a board certified psychologist. His expertise includes helping those with depression, anxiety, panic disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, and the chronically mentally ill.

Along with his doctorate in psychology, Father Garrett has two master's degrees and has served as director of the graduate program at Columbia College in Missouri.

A man of deep faith, Father Garrett has and continues to make enormous contributions in promoting and securing the mental and spiritual health and well–being of others.

I welcome him back to the House of Representatives and thank him for his extraordinary commitment to serving others and for so effectively and faithfully radiating the love, the mercy, and the compassion of Christ.

Welcome, Father Garrett.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

"We hold these truths to be self–evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." (Declaration of Independence)

God, Creator of Heaven and Earth,
The Founders of this Great Nation, recognized the basic principle that You are our Creator and we are Your noble, yet humble, creatures. As such, all men and women are loved and treasured by You. Send you blessings on the women and men of this honorable House, so that they will be guided by your Divine Law in their deliberations. Grant them the wisdom to seek the common good for all people. May all their actions demonstrate respect and reverence for all people; each made in Your Divine image and likeness. Let all this be done for Your greater glory. We ask this in Your Divine Name.
Amen.

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