Bill Text: IL HR0992 | 2011-2012 | 97th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Congratulates Reverend John P. Smyth on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2012-04-26 - Resolution Adopted [HR0992 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2011-HR0992-Introduced.html

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HR0992 LRB097 21251 KXB 68897 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are pleased to congratulate Reverend John P.
Smyth on the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the
priesthood; and
WHEREAS, Father John P. Smyth, President of Notre Dame
College Prep in Niles, will be celebrating the 50th anniversary
of his ordination to the priesthood on April 28, 2012; Father
Smyth was the Executive Director of Maryville Academy, the
"City of Youth" in Des Plaines for 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Father Smyth has significantly impacted the lives
of thousands of girls and boys in the greater Chicagoland area
for more than 4 decades; recognized nationally as well as
locally for innovative and creative strategies in caring for
youth at risk, his "family model" for residential living became
the template for orphanages and child-care institutions
world-wide; and
WHEREAS, Father Smyth was a pioneer in fund-raising and
development efforts; his annual production of the "Chuck Wagon"
weekends on Maryville's grounds united union leaders, major
league athletes, politicians, and thousands of regular folks in
the common cause of helping needy kids; and

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WHEREAS, His tireless energy was demonstrated early in his
commitment to athletics; he was a 3-sport high school star at
DePaul Academy and was a distinguished scholar-athlete at the
University of Notre Dame; evaluated at a skill level similar to
Wilt Chamberlain, he was offered a playing position for the
National Basketball Association upon graduating from Notre
Dame in 1957; and
WHEREAS, He not only distinguished himself on the athletic
fields at the University of Notre Dame, but also holds the
highest Catholic service award in the United States from Notre
Dame, the Laetare Medal; and
WHEREAS, Choosing instead to enter the Archdiocese of
Chicago Seminary at Mundelein, Father Smyth was ordained on
April 28, 1962; his only priestly assignment, before the
presidency at Notre Dame College Prep, was at Maryville
Academy; his ministry was so critical to the Church, and to the
State of Illinois, that none of the 4 Cardinals he served under
would allow him to transfer; and
WHEREAS, The Executive Board at Notre Dame College Prep
offered the presidency to Father Smyth early in 2007; on April
1, 2012, Father Smyth completed the fifth year of his term;
under his direction, enrollment has increased, there have been

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enhancements made on the physical plant, and new enthusiasm has
been generated; currently, 805 young men make up the student
body; major renovations in a number of areas have preceded the
ground-breaking for a new educational building, now in the
planning stages; and
WHEREAS, Notre Dame College Prep is hosting an anniversary
Mass at school on Friday, April 27, 2012; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we congratulate Reverend John P. Smyth on the 50th anniversary
of his ordination to the priesthood and wish him continued good
health and happiness for years to come; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to Reverend John P. Smyth as a symbol of our respect
and esteem.