[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 657 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 657

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                      February 8, 2006.
Whereas America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their 
        academic excellence, but provide students more than a superior 
        scholastic education;
Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added education emphasizing the 
        lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values 
        in America's young people;
Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2005-2006 academic 
        year is about 2.5 million and the student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
Whereas more than 27 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools are 
        from minority backgrounds, and nearly 14 percent are non-Catholics;
Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, 
        values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually 
        stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral 
        development;
Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic education, the National 
        Conference of Catholic Bishops stated: ``Education is one of the most 
        important ways by which the Church fulfills its commitment to the 
        dignity of the person and building of community. Community is central to 
        education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an ardently 
        desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church, therefore, must be 
        directed to forming persons-in-community; for the education of the 
        individual Christian is important not only to his solitary destiny, but 
        also the destinies of the many communities in which he lives.''; and
Whereas January 29 to February 4, 2006, has been designated as Catholic Schools 
        Week by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United 
        States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-
        sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the 
        United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to 
        recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic 
        elementary and secondary schools; and
            (2) congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers 
        across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for 
        the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger 
        future for this Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.