Reverend Bud Roland
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
Austin, TX
Sponsor: Rep. Michael McCaul, (R-TX)
Date of Prayer: 07/24/2012
One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:
Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good and decent man, a man of God and a man of faith, a man who has devoted his entire life to the service of his fellow man. Father Bud Roland , whom we affectionately call Father Bud, is our guest chaplain today and is the pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.
A native of Amarillo, Father Bud was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in January 1999. He was inspired to convert to Catholicism by a loving and generous man in Amarillo named Jordan Grooms who also inspired scores of others to go into the priesthood.
I am thankful that this man impacted Father Bud, who has gone on to shepherd so many with great love and great leadership. Father Bud is revered, admired, and loved by all whose lives he has touched. It has been a great privilege to call him my pastor, and everyone who knows him experiences the true message of Christ. In his words, in his deeds and, above all, in his heart, his example is a beacon of light which draws us all closer to the Creator.
I am reminded of Romans 8:28, which says:
We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
We are blessed, and the world is a better place because Father Bud was called according to His purpose.
Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:
Good and loving God, we thank You for this day. We thank You for the gift of public service.
We ask for Your blessings on these women and men who serve on our behalf. Grant them the wisdom to be humble in collaboration, the vision to consider the needs of all American citizens, and the desire to protect our freedom as they provide for the common good.
Direct their deliberations to be good leaders and guide them in fruitful dialogue.
May Your grace shine forth in all their proceedings. May they enact just laws for our government, and may they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.
Amen.
To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory