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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Monsignor James Bridges of St. Stephen's Catholic |
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Church in Midland retired from the pastorate on June 25, 2017, |
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having dedicated an extraordinary 55 years of service to the |
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Diocese of San Angelo; and |
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WHEREAS, A native of Lamesa, James Bridges accepted the call |
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to the priesthood at the age of 22, becoming the first priest |
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ordained in the diocese on May 29, 1962; assigned to Sacred Heart |
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Catholic Church in Abilene as an assistant pastor in 1963, he |
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assumed the pulpit of that church as pastor in 1970 and was |
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subsequently posted to St. Mary's in Odessa and then to |
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, also in Odessa; in 1996, he began his work |
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as the founding pastor of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, where he |
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ministered with compassion and wisdom until his retirement; and |
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WHEREAS, Known as a spiritual leader of great vision and |
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initiative, Monsignor Bridges was instrumental in the founding of |
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several parishes; he also worked tirelessly in behalf of the poor, |
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establishing both Helping Hands of Midland and the West Texas Food |
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Bank in Odessa; and |
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WHEREAS, Throughout his career in the priesthood, Monsignor |
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James Bridges has exemplified kindness, humility, and good humor, |
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as well as joyful service to others, and his legacy will continue to |
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resonate in his community of faith for many years to come; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby honor Monsignor James |
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Bridges on his retirement from the pastorate and extend to him |
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sincere best wishes for continued happiness and fulfillment; and, |
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be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for Monsignor Bridges as an expression of high regard by |
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the Texas House of Representatives. |