H.R. No. 156
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to honor
1-2 the Reverend Monsignor Milam J. Joseph, V.G., for his enduring
1-3 dedication as a spiritual leader for the past three decades; and
1-4 WHEREAS, Born in Dallas on July 17, 1937, to M. John Joseph
1-5 and Anne Marpes Joseph, this outstanding individual attended the
1-6 University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor of science
1-7 degree in commerce in 1959; possessed of an enduring desire to
1-8 learn, he continued his higher education at St. John's Seminary,
1-9 the University of Dallas, and the Catholic University of America,
1-10 where he attained a master of arts degree in education in 1967; and
1-11 WHEREAS, Answering the call to the ministry, he was ordained
1-12 for the Diocese of Dallas on May 30, 1964, by Bishop Thomas K.
1-13 Gorman; and
1-14 WHEREAS, On his ordination into the priesthood he began his
1-15 pastoral ministry by ably tending to the spiritual needs of those
1-16 within the Metroplex for five years as assistant pastor at St.
1-17 Rita's Church in Fort Worth, notary to the Tribunal of the Diocese
1-18 of Dallas/Fort Worth, dean of men at the University of Dallas, and
1-19 director of vocations for the Diocese of Dallas/Fort Worth; and
1-20 WHEREAS, Relocating to Tyler in 1969, he became assistant
1-21 pastor at Immaculate Conception Church and principal at Bishop
1-22 Thomas K. Gorman High School; in 1973 he assumed the duties of
1-23 pastor at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where for
1-24 more than two decades he has shared his strong faith and
2-1 outstanding spiritual leadership with his congregation; and
2-2 WHEREAS, Monsignor Joseph is active in a variety of worthy
2-3 organizations in the Tyler area and has labored tirelessly in
2-4 behalf of his fellow citizens as a member of the Tyler Catholic
2-5 School Foundation and P.A.T.H. (People Attempting To Help), and as
2-6 a board member at University Park Hospital; he also served with
2-7 distinction as president of the Tyler Ministerial Alliance; and
2-8 WHEREAS, He consistently has demonstrated a visionary
2-9 approach to his leadership responsibilities, establishing the
2-10 Hispanic Social Ministry in 1976, initiating the development of the
2-11 Tyler Catholic School Foundation, and conducting a successful $3.2
2-12 million fund drive for expansion of the Tyler Catholic School
2-13 System; and
2-14 WHEREAS, Among the many honors he has received are Prelate of
2-15 Honor with the title Monsignor in 1980 and designation as Vicar
2-16 General of the Diocese of Tyler in 1987 and 1992, and Diocesan
2-17 Administrator for the Diocese of Tyler in 1991; he also was named
2-18 1993 "Man of Vision" by the Texas Society to Prevent Blindness, and
2-19 was the recipient of the Rose City Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa's
2-20 "Outstanding Educator Award for 1994"; and
2-21 WHEREAS, In Monsignor Joseph, the Tyler community has found
2-22 both a dedicated clergyman and a dynamic civic leader; his
2-23 ceaseless efforts in behalf of his fellowman have provided comfort
2-24 and inspiration to countless individuals, and his continuing
2-25 contributions in this regard are indeed worthy of special
2-26 legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
2-27 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
3-1 Legislature hereby commend the Reverend Monsignor Milam J. Joseph,
3-2 V.G., on his many significant contributions to the spiritual
3-3 well-being of his community and extend to him sincere best wishes
3-4 for continued happiness and fulfillment in the years to come; and,
3-5 be it further
3-6 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-7 prepared for Monsignor Joseph as an expression of high regard by
3-8 the Texas House of Representatives.