Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Father Joseph Shea, Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, for receiving the Spirit of Giving Award in recognition of his selfless dedication to the Glendale Community.
Father Joseph Shea is a graduate of St. John's College Seminary where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. He is also a graduate of the Continuing Formation in Ministry Program at the University of Notre Dame. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1978. Prior to joining the Holy Family Parish, Father Shea served as associate pastor of St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Highland Park until 1982. He was subsequently transferred to St. John Vianney Church in Hacienda Heights where he was also associate pastor. In 1989, Cardinal Roger Mahoney appointed Father Shea as the Director of the Office of Vocations. He worked in this office until 1995, promoting and encouraging vocations to the priesthood and religious life throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Father Shea has been the Pastor of Holy Family Catholic Community since July of 1996. Under Father Shea's leadership, the parish engineered a Strategic Plan 2000 to build a strong vision for the new millennium. The plan's mission is for all registered parishioners to dedicate themselves to the support of the spiritual, educational, cultural, youth, and community outreach programs through active participation.
Father Shea is highly dedicated to civic affairs. He serves on the Verdugo Mental Health Board of Glendale, the Board of Directors for Glendale's Community Center, Catholic Charities Loaves and Fishes, and the Institute for Urban Research and Development. He is an active member of the Glendale Human Relations Coalition, Kiwanis Club of Glendale, and the Recreation Facilities and Open Space Committee for the city. He is a newly appointed member to the Advisory Board of Glendale's Adventist Medical Center. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Cardinal McIntyre Fund for Charity, serves on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of School Board, and Dean of Deanery 6 of the L.A. Archdiocese. Father Shea is a remarkable man with an unwavering passion for community service and limitless energy.
I ask all Members of Congress to join me today in commending Father Joseph P. Shea for his commitment to service throughout the community and for his incomparable Spirit of Giving.