Recognizing the Retirement of Monsignor John Cisewski Pastor

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Monsignor John Cisewski, from the Archdiocese of New Orleans after 51 years of leading God's people as a priest of Jesus Christ.

Monsignor Cisewski was born in the Upper Peninsula of Iron Wood, Michigan to late Walter and Sophia Jean Cisewski. He will be joining the ranks of retirement along-side all his living siblings, Wally, Jim ``Choo'', Kay and Judy, all who have been retired in various fields for many years.

Monsignor Cisewski pronounced first vows and was ordained to the priesthood on October 16, 1971, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church located in the Ninth Ward, Desire area in New Orleans. He studied at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans after completing graduate work with degrees in Master of Arts Theology and Master of Divinity. He then became the Associate Pastor of St. Philip the Apostle, followed by St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Pontchartrain Park.

Forty-two years ago, Monsignor Cisewski rose to the ranks of pastor on March 17, 1980, at St. Monica Catholic Church. He later continued his ministry as pastor serving many parishes including St. Matthias Catholic Church; Our Lady of Lourdes (serving as dual pastor of two churches); St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, subsequently serving a pastor of the merged St. Raymond St. Leo the Great Catholic Church because of Hurricane Katrina; and his final assignment at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in 2008, also created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, merging Holy Ghost Catholic Church and St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church.

Recognizing the great impact Monsignor Cisewski has on the many parishioners throughout Orleans Parish, he was selected to serve on Priests Council for three terms, the Priests Personnel Committee for seven years, over twenty years appointed by then tenured Archbishops as Dean in the Inner-City Deanery, City Park/Gentilly Deanery and twice for the University Deanery.

During the 1970's, Monsignor Cisewski taught Theology at St. Augustine High School and as Chaplain at Xavier University Preparatory High School, serving the youth in our community.

Monsignor Cisewski went beyond his spiritual calling to leave his footprint on this city on community growth. He completed a graduate degree with a master's degree in urban studies at the University of New Orleans. He worked closely with the parishioners of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church to establish the Desire Social Center in the Desire Housing Development area. He later worked closely with the parishioners and residents in Pontchartrain Park and Gentilly Woods creating the Pontilly Neighborhood Association, one of the most active neighborhood groups still in existence to this day.

And if you thought his plate was full, his service furthered having served as an active member over fifty years of the Knights of Peter Claver; the Faith Friar to E.O. Moss Grand Assembly No. 4 and also to M.L. Lunnon Grand Chapter No. 4. His tenure includes serving on the National Committee facilitating the establishment of the Fourth Degree for the Gracious Ladies of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. (Auxiliary).

A huge Congratulations and Best Wishes to Louisiana's adopted Son as he begins a much-deserved retirement effective the first day of July, in the year two thousand twenty-two.

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