[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E99-E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 HONORING NEW MEXICO'S CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2001

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Catholic 
School Week. I

[[Page E100]]

want to take this opportunity to highlight, praise and congratulate our 
Catholic schools in my home state of New Mexico.
  A whole host of events and presentations are planned for this annual 
observance of the significant role that Catholic elementary and 
secondary schools play in educating our young people. This is also an 
occasion to observe the high standard of excellence and the quality of 
education available in these institutions.
  Mr. Speaker, whatever our religious affiliations, we can all admit 
that for many generations our parochial schools have achieved 
outstanding results in providing an excellent education. Even non-
Catholic parents have turned to the parochial schools to educate their 
children.
  I especially wish to acknowledge Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan of the 
Archdiocese of Santa Fe. His strong leadership is an example to all of 
us. On Sunday, April 25, 1999, an editorial by Archbishop Sheehan 
appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. As he eloquently stated, 
``Learning takes place in the home and in the classroom. To improve 
academic performance, we have to have students who are willing and 
ready to learn, competent teachers who care about children and who have 
high expectations of students, and parents and extended families who 
also care and have high expectations of their children.'' Indeed, 
Archbishop Sheehan has captured the essence of education.
  I urge all my colleagues to join with me and salute the fine people 
that make the Catholic schools in New Mexico a reality. It is in the 
spirit of this wonderful celebration that I wish to recognize and pay 
tribute to Catholic Schools Week.

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