78S20047 MDM-D

By:  Bohac                                                        H.R. No. 12 



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, In celebration of the 25th anniversary of his 
ordination to the priesthood, the Reverend Monsignor James B. "Jim" 
Anderson was guest of honor at several events on June 29, 2003, at 
his parish; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Sherman, he joined the Catholic Church 
at the age of 12, graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, 
and enrolled at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston; he earned a 
bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of St. Thomas 
in 1974 and pursued additional studies in Rome at Gregorian 
University; and
	WHEREAS, Ordained to the priesthood at his home parish of St. 
Ambrose in 1978, Monsignor Anderson earned a licentiate degree in 
theology from Gregorian University and later went on to receive a 
doctorate in theology from that noted institution; he served as a 
parish priest in Texas City for several years and from 1985 to 1989 
worked in the secretariat of state of His Holiness Pope John Paul II 
in the Vatican; and
	WHEREAS, Monsignor Anderson returned to Houston in 1989, 
where he taught theology at the University of St. Thomas and St. 
Mary's Seminary, assisted with the pastoral ministries of several 
parishes in the diocese, and served the Church of the Annunciation 
in the role of an assistant; and
	WHEREAS, On June 1, 1999, he began his service as pastor of 
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, and in June 2000 he was named a 
prelate of honor by the Pope, who conferred on him the title of 
reverend monsignor; today, along with his pastoral duties, he 
teaches at the University of St. Thomas and serves in the capacity 
of secretary of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council; and
	WHEREAS, He is an Eagle Scout and received the Ad Altare Dei 
Award for Catholic scouts and was chosen as a member of the Order of 
the Arrow; in the year 2000, he was a recipient of the St. George 
Emblem in recognition of his exemplary contributions to the 
spiritual development of Catholic youth in the scouting program; 
and
	WHEREAS, Monsignor Anderson continually demonstrates a deep 
commitment to his life's calling, and it is a pleasure to join in 
paying tribute to him at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby congratulate the Reverend 
Monsignor James B. Anderson on the joyous occasion of the 25th 
anniversary of his ordination in the priesthood and extend to him 
sincere best wishes for success and fulfillment in the years to 
come; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Monsignor Anderson as an expression of high regard by 
the Texas House of Representatives.