[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H180-H185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page H180]]
HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 28) honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 28
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 1999-2000 academic year was 2,653,038, the total number
of Catholic schools is 8,144, and the student-teacher ratio
is 17 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools provide more than $17,200,000,000
a year in savings to the Nation based on the average public
school per pupil cost;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students
and over 24 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic
schools are minorities;
Whereas the graduation rate of Catholic school students is
95 percent, only 3 percent of Catholic high school students
drop out of school, and 83 percent of Catholic high school
graduates go on to college;
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; and
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'': Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the House of Repre-
sentatives--
(1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event
sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association
and the United States Catholic Conference 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi).
General Leave
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on House Resolution 28.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Ohio?
There was no objection.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Boehner).
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Tiberi) for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in support of House
Resolution 28, which recognizes and honors the contributions of
Catholic schools in the United States. Our Nation's Catholic schools
have a long tradition of academic excellence, and I am pleased to join
in recognizing them today.
As this new Congress begins, it is fitting that we are focusing on
the impact and the important role that Catholic schools play in
providing a well-rounded education for America's young people; one that
gives special attention to the academic, moral, and social development
of our children.
One of the top priorities for the Committee on Education and the
Workforce will be to reauthorize this year the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, which provide benefits to both public and private
schools. Across our country, many Catholic schools participate in many
programs and activities assisted by these funds.
Last year, Catholic schools around the country enrolled more than 2.6
million children in more than 8,000 Catholic schools across the
country. The student-teacher ratio in most Catholic schools is 17-to-1,
and more than 24 percent of their students come from disadvantaged
backgrounds.
Mr. Speaker, 95 percent of Catholic school students graduate; and 83
percent of their high school graduates go on to pursue a higher
education. It stands to reason that if it were not for our Nation's
Catholic schools, and the dedicated teachers who serve them, the
achievement gap between the disadvantaged students in our society and
their peers would be even wider.
Moreover, I would point out that of the total students enrolled in
Catholic schools, about 13 percent are not of the Catholic faith. These
students come from a wide variety of faiths and have chosen to attend a
Catholic school. I think that it speaks to the mission and success of
Catholic educators to reach out to all students and their parents who
are seeking the best possible education for their children, especially
for inner-city schools in which the majority of students enrolled are
non-Catholic.
Mr. Speaker, I can attest to the outstanding contributions,
dedication, and accomplishments of Catholic schools, because I and my
11 brothers and sisters are products of Catholic schools in Ohio. I
attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School in Reading, Ohio and
Archbishop Moeller High School in the Cincinnati suburbs. I then went
on to attend and graduate from Xavier University.
{time} 1500
Catholic schools have made a positive difference in the lives of
hundreds of thousands of students in my State and around the country.
Outstanding schools such as Archbishop Fenwick High School in
Middletown, Ohio; Stephen T. Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio; and
Sidney Lehman High School in Sidney, Ohio; and countless Catholic
elementary schools throughout my district, they have shaped the lives
of countless students and continue to make a profound contribution on
our communities.
I am proud of how these and all Catholic schools emphasize
intellectual, spiritual, moral and social values and produce well-
rounded citizens. Catholic schools have found a way to teach students
not only academic knowledge, but also real-life lessons in service to
mankind and respect for one's neighbors.
This resolution is very simple. We want to rightly honor and
congratulate Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for
their ongoing contributions to education and for the key role they play
in promoting and ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this
Nation.
I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer) for his
leadership in sponsoring this legislation and urge my colleagues to
vote in support of it.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand with my colleagues and recognize
our Nation's Catholic schools.
First, I must point out the number of Catholic schools in our Nation.
There are 8,200 elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United
States. They do, indeed, deserve to be celebrated.
What a great gift to our Nation these schools provide, producing
graduates who are not only academically capable but also such a great
part of the community. Our Catholic schools not only teach subjects
like the alphabet and the Pythagorean Theorem and the Preamble to the
Constitution, but they teach our students how to be part of our
communities.
They teach that service to others is an integral part any life,
religious or lay. They teach the dignity of the individual. They teach
students to work for justice and to help each child develop a strong
moral compass to follow.
Today, I believe I am joined by several colleagues who also are known
for their support of education.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleagues, to recognize the
contributions of America's Catholic elementary and secondary schools
and congratulate these schools, the students, the teachers, and their
parents
[[Page H181]]
for the dedication to education in our country.
I would like to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer), the
sponsor of this legislation, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner),
the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, as well
as the majority leader, for bringing this important resolution to the
floor this afternoon.
This resolution recognizes Catholic schools and Catholic Schools
Week. This is an event sponsored by the National Catholic Education
Association and the United States Catholic Conference and established
to recognize the vital contributions of America's Catholic schools.
Catholic schools are widely acclaimed for their academic success.
Central Ohio, which I am fortunate enough to represent, is blessed with
many outstanding Catholic schools. In fact, St. Francis DeSales, a
Columbus Catholic high school in my neighborhood, is a past recipient
of the U.S. Department of Education's Blue Ribbon Schools Award for
Excellence. This is the highest award any private or public school can
achieve.
But Catholic schools provide more than a superior scholastic
education. They ensure a broad education emphasizing the development of
moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in our young people.
They produce students strongly dedicated in our faith, values,
families, and communities. Indeed, they are central to building a sense
of community in this country that all Americans should have the
opportunity to enjoy.
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this resolution, and I
strongly support its adoption by the House.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how many speakers the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) has?
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, we believe there will be three additional
speakers.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, since none of mine have shown, if the
gentleman from Ohio would like to go ahead.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Tiberi) for granting me the time in which to speak on this important
resolution.
Today I rise in strong support of the resolution honoring the
contributions of Catholic schools to our children and the educational
system. As the debate on education continues and reform education
continues, I think it is vitally important to recognize people and
schools who have succeeded in educating our children.
America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their
academic excellence and among the many fine academic Catholic schools
in this Nation.
In the city of Reno, for example, there is Bishop Manogue High
School, which has a long and distinguished record of excellence in
their academic and athletic programs.
Catholic schools, like Bishop Manogue, emphasize the lifelong
development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in
America's young people. These values are crucial to the future of our
Nation, especially as our society tends to grapple with problems like
the breakdown of the family and school violence.
I want to thank our Catholic schools for their dedication to our
children, and I look forward to working with them toward our goal of
improving the education of every child.
As an original cosponsor of this resolution, I encourage all of my
colleagues to strongly support its passage and the contributions that
Catholic schools have made to our children and to our Nation.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi)
have any other speakers? We do not have any on this side other than
myself to close.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately we have two more speakers, and
they are not here.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Tiberi) has the right to close. If the gentlewoman from California (Ms.
Sanchez) will proceed.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, growing up Catholic in a pretty Catholic family, I know
firsthand that the Catholic Church has always sought to feed the hungry
and clothe the poor. We welcome immigrants, people who speak different
languages and bring very different needs. We welcome everyone as we
work to help the rich and the poor, the powerful and the powerless.
Catholic schools, too, welcome diverse studentbodies with open arms.
It is not just Catholics who attend Catholic schools; children who need
special attention, dedicated teachers attend Catholic schools. Families
who are looking for an added dimension to faith and morals sometimes
choose Catholic schools. Parents who want safe schools that excel in
academics choose Catholic schools.
Today with our communities' public schools, the Catholic schools and
the Diocese of Orange educate, in every sense of the word, our
children. Various schools, like Santa Margarita High School or Mater
Dei in my own district, Servite in my district, Rosary, Connelly, and
numerous elementary parochial schools, all are Catholic schools.
So, Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to recognize Catholic schools and
the educators, parents and parishes who make these wonderful
institutions possible.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Delaware (Mr. Castle), who is the subcommittee chairman on the issue we
are debating.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for yielding
time to me.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution honoring
Catholic schools and their contributions to our communities throughout
our Nation.
Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of the important role
that Catholic elementary and secondary schools across the country play
in providing a values-added education for America's young people.
This tradition of honoring Catholic schools is 27 years old this year
and is one I believe should continue.
Just last week, students from St. Hedwig Elementary School in
Wilmington, Delaware, visited me in Washington, D.C. during Catholic
Schools Week. I was impressed by all they have been learning and
achieving, and I compliment them for their hard work and interest in
our democratic process.
While the majority of our students are enrolled in public schools,
Catholic schools still play a key role in our entire society. Over 2.5
million children attended 8,000 Catholic schools last year throughout
the United States.
In my State of Delaware, which is the size of a congressional
district, we have over 15,000 students attending 38 Catholic schools,
all of whom obviously contribute greatly to their communities.
I thank the students, teachers, principals, and the administrators
for making the Catholic community shine in my State.
I regard Catholic schools as a team player with public schools, other
private and parochial schools and home schools in defining America's
education system.
According to the National Catholic Educational Association, the
graduation rate of students in Catholic schools is nearly 95 percent.
The dropout rate is just about 3 percent. Eighty-five percent of all
Catholic school graduates go on to college. These achievements impress
me and deserve to be honored today on the House floor.
I would just add, Mr. Speaker, the importance of the integration of
all the education of our young children, as they get into more choice,
more opportunities for our kids, more comparisons, the Catholic
schools, along with all the other schools, add to this mix. Our goal
should be to educate every child in America as well as we possibly can.
Certainly Catholic schools aid in that; and for that, we are very
blessed. I honor them and appreciate them and encourage support for
this resolution.
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would like to close by saying that sometimes I think people think
those of us who are so supportive of public schools may not be as
supportive of our
[[Page H182]]
private schools, but the reality is that we care about all of our
schools and those institutions who choose to help educate our children.
Today I have been proud to talk about our Catholic schools and the way
that they excel and the way that they complement the rest of the
education system that we have here in the United States.
Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased that Congress has
recognized the important role that Catholic Schools play in our
community. As a Latino, I know the important place in our history of
Catholic Education. In my district, the Saint Thomas Aquinas High
School is regarded as both an academic and athletic giant. The San
Bernardino Diocese School System under Bishop Gerald Barnes has made
major investments into their school system to bring their students
education into the 21st Century.
Even though I am a strong supporter of public schools, I understand
the importance Catholic Schools have played in our nation's education.
The quality of education provided at Catholic schools is truly
remarkable. Not only do they focus on academic achievement but they
also instill values and moral lessons in young people. Their
curriculums are often full of programs in character development and
community service. Catholic school students graduate with a wide
variety of skills that will not only help them in their careers but
also in their family and community life. I am pleased to support this
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools.
Ms. PRYCE of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the
invaluable contributions of our nation's Catholic schools.
Last week was Catholic Schools Week, and January 31st was National
Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. In honor of these events, my
colleague, Mr. Schaffer from Colorado, has introduced a resolution to
honor our nation's Catholic schools.
The United States Department of Education has provided us with
statistics that show Catholic schools take in children from many
different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and yield well educated,
college-bound, young adults.
Our nation's Catholic schools boast a 95 percent graduation rate and
83 percent of their students go on to college.
Not only do these children come away from their schools with strong
academic credentials, but they gain an appreciation for the importance
of faith, family, and community that is critical to our society's well
being.
At a time when our nation is asking the question: ``How can we give
our children the best education possible?'' The Catholic schools are
providing some answers by demonstrating what works.
For these achievements, I congratulate 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 our nation's students.
Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to join with my
colleagues in passing House Resolution 28, honoring the contributions
of Catholic schools to academic excellence. Catholic schools have
enhanced the quality of life for the community, as well as hundreds of
thousands of young people who have benefited from its commitment to
developing their minds and their spirits.
I would like to recognize the good work of schools such as Notre Dame
High School, Resurrection High School, Northside Catholic Academy
Schools, and St. Scholastica Academy in Illinois. These Catholic
schools, like their counterparts, provide critical leadership and
support to the intellectual development of the lives of so many in
Illinois. With a 95 percent graduation rate, and 83 percent rate of
continuing on to higher education, catholic schools deserve our
recognition for the work they do.
I applaud the success and commitment of Catholic schools in the 9th
Congressional District and in this nation.
Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of our
nation's Catholic schools. Catholic schools not only provide students
with an excellent education but also provide spiritual enrichment.
The contributions made by Catholic schools often exceed the classroom
walls. The curriculum is designed to challenge students and to
encourage religious awareness and development of morals and values.
Students are encouraged to volunteer in a range of activities including
working in soup kitchens, aiding other students with homework or
working to improve a neighborhood park.
During the past 30 years, Catholic schools around the nation have
made significant improvements in enrolling minorities and have
continued to expand the educational mission in urban areas. There are
approximately 1,020 Catholic schools in urban areas today.
A common complaint of parents and teachers is overcrowding in
classrooms. Catholic schools often provide students and teachers with
the opportunity for learning on a personal level. For instance, class
size on average provide a ratio of 17 students to every one teacher,
allowing teachers to focus on the needs of individual students. The
effectiveness of this system is repeated in the statistic that 83
percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college and the
drop-out rate is only 3.4 percent.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting these institutions and
the wonderful contributions they make in their communities and in our
nation's future.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of house
resolution 28 which celebrates the contributions of Catholic schools
throughout the nation. From the easternmost point of the U.S. Virgin
Islands to the westernmost tip of Orote Point in Guam, Catholic schools
continue to provide a valuable education to more than 2.5 million
students in the United States.
As Guam is home to more than 1,00,000 Roman Catholics, representing
an overwhelming majority of the resident population, I am particularly
pleased to speak in support and in recognition of the contributions of
Catholic schools today.
Guam has a long and rich history of Catholicism since the island was
discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, who docked at Guam with his
chaplains during his sail around the world. The year 1662 ushered the
first of many arrivals of Spanish missionaries. Over time various types
of Catholic education have been provided in Guam beginning with the
tradition of ``Eskuelan Pale'', or Catholicism classes, which taught
basic literacy in Guam for 275 years today's modern school facilities
which usher in 21st Century lessons into the classroom. Several
religious orders and countless cadres of lay teachers have provided
educational guidance and have broadened opportunities for Guam's school
children since the end of World War II, when a formal Catholic school
system was established. The School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of
Mercy, Dominican Sisters, the religious orders of Capuchin,
Franciscans, Jesuits and Marists have all served to educate Guam's
school children.
There are three Catholic high schools in Guam, including: Notre Dame
High School in Talofofo; Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna; and
Father Duenas Memorial School in Mangilao serving an enrollment of
approximately 1,100 students. There are also seven elementary and
middle schools, including: Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School in
Sinajana; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Agat; Saint Anthony School
in Tamuning; Saint Francis School in Yona; San Vicente School in
Barrigada; Santa Barbara School in Dededo and Dominican School in Yigo,
serving an estimated enrollment of 2,300 students. Four Catholic
nursery schools in Guam Bridge the continuum of education from infancy
to elementary. These include the Dominican Child Care Center in Ordot;
the Infant of Prague in Mangilao; Maria Artero in Agana Heights; and
Mercy Heights in Tamuning.
Although I have not attended Catholic schools, as a former educator
raised in the Catholic faith, I certainly appreciate the education
provided by Catholic schools. Three of my five children have attended
Catholic schools in Guam and in Virginia and 10 of my 17 staffers in
both my District and D.C. offices are products of the Catholic school
system in Guam and the Philippines. Additionally, my aunt, Mary
Underwood, was instrumental in the establishment of the Catholic school
system after World War II. She was also the first native of Guam to
become a nun.
Catholic schools have often provided a broad, value-added education
and shape to the life-long development of moral, intellectual, physical
and social values of students. Catholic Schools Week is the culmination
of an annual national celebration of the important role that Catholic
elementary and secondary schools across the country play in the
education of our nation's students.
At this time, I would like to commend the contributions of all
Catholic schools, students, parents, teachers and administrators in
Guam and across the nation. I would also like to recognize the
contributions of the Archdiocese of Hagatna, which oversees the
administration of Guam's Catholic schools, and particularly Archbishop
Anthony Apuron, for continuing the tradition of providing excellence in
the education and moral well-being of the children of Guam.
I urge your support of House Resolution 28.
Mr. SCHAFFER. Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to adopt H. Res. 28
commending the contributions of Catholic schools. As a Roman Catholic
having attended and graduated from Catholic Schools and a Catholic
university, I am proud to be the original sponsor of this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, today the House voices its strong support for the goals
of Catholic Schools Week and recognizes the vital contributions of
America's thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. The
House also congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and
teachers across our
[[Page H183]]
great nation for their ongoing contributions to education and for the
key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brigther, stronger
future for America. As the first clause of the resolution states,
``America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their
academic excellence, but provide students more than a superior
scholastic education.'' Mr. Speaker, this is the essence of the
resolution.
Catholic schools ensure a broad values-added education, emphasizing
the life-long development of moral, intellectual, fiscal and social
values in America's young people. Americans have responded positively
to Catholic schools. The total Catholic school student enrollment for
1999 and 2000 was 2,653,038, which is an increase over the 1998 and
1999 school year. The total number of Catholic schools is 8,144. The
student/teacher ratio in those institutions is less than 17 to 1.
Catholic schools provide more than $17 billion a year in savings to
the nation based on the average school per pupil cost, enabling more
money to be spent on students in government-owned schools. Catholic
schools teach and contribute to a diverse group of students. Twenty-
four percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools are
minority students. The graduation rate of Catholic school students is
95 percent, and only 3 percent of Catholic high school students drop
out of school. Eighty-three percent of Catholic high school graduates
go on to college. Mr. Speaker, these are impressive statistics, and
they quantify why America's Catholic schools are internationally
acclaimed for academic excellence.
Catholic schools not only develop sound academic abilities in their
students, but they produce students strongly dedicated to their faith,
their values, their families, and communities. Catholic schools do this
by providing an intellectually stimulating environmental rich in
spiritual development and moral character.
In 1972, a pastoral message was adopted by the National Conference of
Catholilc Bishops that stated the following, ``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 for the destinies of the many communities in which he lives.''
It is on that basis, Mr. Speaker, that this resolution recognizes
Catholic schools and Catholic Schools Week. This is an event sponsored
by the National Catholic Education Association, which is, by the way,
the largest private organization of professional teachers in the world.
It is also sponsored by the United States Catholic Conference and
established to recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands
of Catholic elementary and secondary schools.
So today the House congratulates Catholic schools, their students,
their parents, and teachers across the country, for their ongoing
contributions to education and for the key role they play in promoting
and ensuring a brighter and stronger future for this nation.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Catholic School Week
and I want to spend a few moments commending the Catholic schools in my
home district of El Paso, Texas and in other parts of our country for a
job well done.
There are many Catholic Schools in my district including Cathedral
High School and Loretto Academy; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Blessed
Sacrament, Father Yermo, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our
Lady of the Valley, St. Joseph's, St. Patrick's, Saint Pius the X, St.
Raphael's, and St. Michael's. I know each and every one of these
schools contributes greatly to the fabric of the educational system in
El Paso, and I am proud of the efforts of all of the priests, nuns,
teachers and other support staff in these schools. They work tirelessly
to improve the lives of our children.
Our Catholic schools continue to show exemplarily results in
education. They share, with other Catholic schools across the nation, a
long-standing tradition of excellence. The catholic schools in El Paso
continue to show steadfast commitment to teaching and spiritually
guiding young men and women as they prepare for higher education and
for life's many challenges. Catholic schools continue to exhibit strong
leadership, a clear vision and sense of mission that is shared by the
schools, students, parents, and alumni. In El Paso, our Catholic
schools have exhibited high quality teaching and have provided a safe
environment for learning. Spirituality, as a guiding principal, should
be emulated across our country. The values that are instilled at our
Catholic schools are fundamental values that are central and important
to the functioning of society as a whole.
Daily school prayer, religion classes, and school Mass emphasize
God's central role in our lives. As a Catholic myself, God and
reverence are personally and centrally important to me and I appreciate
the commitment that our Catholic schools make in insuring that our
students will have faith and prayer in their lives. I cannot overstate
how important faith in God is to overall success and happiness in life.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to acknowledge Archbishop Armando X.
Ochoa of the Archdiocese of El Paso for his strong leadership and
dedication. He continues to support the mission of our Catholic schools
in educating our youth. I urge all my colleagues to join with me and
commend all of the people across the country who make the catholic
schools so successful.
Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools in America. I
congratulate the more than 8,000 Catholic schools that serve this
nation's students. I am a product of Catholic schools as a graduate of
Holy Family High School in Birmingham, Alabama so I know first hand
about the value of a Catholic school education.
According to the National Catholic Education Association, Catholic
schools serve over two and a half million students a year. With an
impressive average student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, Catholic schools
provide the necessary one-on-one teaching that students need to learn.
My graduating class of Holy Family had 23 students who graduated with
me! I was able to bond with my classmates and had a true sense of
family and support. My experiences with Sister Mary Catherine, Sister
Mary Ambrose, Sister Mary Mathilda, Sister Jean Bernadette, Father
Nathaniel, Father Carl, and Father Alvin instilled in me and the other
girls at Holy Family an appreciation for Math and Science that was
unprecedented at that time. The same quality education that I enjoyed
as a youth is making a difference in communities across the United
States, including my 37th District of California.
I am proud of the four Catholic schools in my district that have
created rigorous educational environments with quality teaching: St.
Miguel Catholic School in Los Angeles, California, Verbum Dei High
School in Watts, California, St. Albert the Great Catholic School in
Compton, California, Our Lady of Victory Grade School in Compton,
California and St. Philomena Grade School in Carson, California. These
schools make a tremendous contribution to the community and I am proud
to represent them in Congress.
Many hears ago, my Catholic education spawned a love of learning that
I have treasured throughout my life. Institutions that generate this
type of intellectual curiosity in our nation's youth are critical to
developing productive, hardworking citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
That is why I join my colleagues in recognizing America's Catholic
schools. I commend the community of teachers, students, parents and
administrators that have established this high standard for learning
that challenges and engages students. They are playing an integral role
in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the children
of today and the leaders of tomorrow.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to
recognize the splendid reputation, the years of dedicated service, and
the outstanding achievement of Catholic Schools. During Catholic
Schools Week, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm remarks that
highlight the achievements of a leading institution that provides
immeasurable educational support to neighborhoods and communities
throughout our Nation.
In fact, Catholic Schools in America have had a tremendous impact in
the lives of many Americans. For example, Chicago has the Largest
Catholic School System in the United States. It is comprised of 277
elementary schools serving close to 105,000 students. In addition to
educating younger students, the Chicago Catholic School System provides
direction and oversight to 48 secondary schools; its programs and
services reaches the lives of 33,648 teenagers.
In Chicago and abroad, Catholic Schools have provided education and
service to those that have been traditionally left behind in our
society. for years, through their educational programs, they planted
seeds of hope in the minds and hearts of many poor and neglected
children, which have germinated to produce leaders and champions.
So, I graciously thank our teachers, counselors, Nuns, and Priests in
our Catholic Schools for their years of dedicated service. And I urge
them to ``keep on, keeping on'' as they continue to prepare our young
to excel in the New Millennium.
Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in
recognizing the contributions of our Nation's Catholic schools. As
Father Andrew Greeley of Chicago has observed: ``Our Nation's Catholic
schools are a seventh sacrament.''. Today, we salute Catholic teachers
and students around the world. As a product of Catholic schools, back
home in Toledo I can attest to the quality of instruction,
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the professional and nurturing approach of the many fine sisters,
priests and lay teachers whom I remember so fondly, and in fact still
count among my friends and advisors to this day.
Despite the coarsening of our popular culture, what I call the
`poverty of affluence', it is heartening to know that total Catholic
school enrollment for the 1999-2000 school year was over 2.6 million
students at more than 8,100 schools. In my home state of Ohio, there
are over 193,000 students attending 528 Catholic schools. In these
quality institutions, joined by many fine public schools, character and
commonly cherished values are instilled into generation after
generation. Honesty, integrity, love of family and country, self-
respect and self-discipline are just a few of the hallmark results of
Catholic-based education.
Catholic schools are one of the cornerstones of our educational
system providing faith based educational opportunities to those
families who desire their children to have a Catholic faith based
education. Catholic schools accept young people from every walk of
life, from all economic and ethnic backgrounds. These schools have
played an historic role in welcoming and teaching the sons and
daughters of immigrants, whether they be Irish, Polish, Hungarian or
Russian, whether they are African-American, or Chinese or Latino, just
to name a few. In the heart of our Nation's biggest cities and most
humble rural towns, Catholic schools continue this missionary endeavor.
It is my pleasure to honor the contributions of Catholic schools,
both the men and women who lead and teach and care so deeply for our
young people. Those students have made, and continue to make, a
difference in the life of their families, communities and world.
Our system of education is most appropriately conducted on the local
level. Therefore, it is both our right and responsibility to support
our schools, our teachers, parents, support staff, administrators, our
sisters and priests, and our children, whom we know will one day
inherit and take responsibility for all of our work and world.
Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our nation's
Catholic schools and the record of excellence they hold in our
children's education.
I believe our most profound responsibility is to ensure that every
child has a first-class education, that no child is left behind and
that all students share in the pride and promise of educational
opportunity--Catholic education provides that opportunity.
As a former student at the University of Notre Dame and a former
teacher at Mount Saint Michael's Academy in the Bronx, NY, I know the
benefits Catholic schools and universities provide to students in
America.
Our children deserve the best schools in the world; they deserve
schools that will help them meet the challenges of tomorrow. That is
why I'm pleased with the bipartisan support H. Res. 28, ``Honoring our
Catholic Schools,'' is receiving from my colleagues in the House today.
America's student drop-out rate is increasing at an alarming pace.
But our nation's Catholic schools have given a diverse group of
students the inspiration, environment and counsel they need to stay in
school. A tribute to the strength and quality of a Catholic school
education is the 95 percent graduation rate among Catholic high school
seniors.
America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for
providing small classrooms where each student can have the attention
they need to achieve their future goals. America's Catholic schools
also graduate a record 83 percent of students who go on to college.
I believe that while we call for higher standards in our nation's
schools, we must also recognize those schools that are providing the
education America's students need to succeed. I am pleased to join with
my colleagues in honoring the contributions of Catholic schools. After
all our children are our country's most precious resource.
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Catholic
schools across America and back home in Illinois. All Catholic schools,
their teachers, administrators, parents and students should be
congratulated for their vital role in promoting and ensuring a bright
future for this country.
It is amazing that Catholic Schools graduate 95 percent of their
students and that 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to
college. I know that the education and, more importantly, the values,
that were imbedded in me at St. Patrick's high school in Chicago proved
themselves invaluable in college and in my professional career.
In my hometown of Chicago, the Catholic Archdiocese has an
unparalleled record of educating students of all racial and economic
backgrounds. Chicago has one of the largest Catholic school systems in
the nation, and the best and the brightest in Chicago are often alumni
of their Catholic schools.
So, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for scheduling this vote honoring the
contributions of Catholic Schools. It is my hope that they will
continue to flourish and prosper for the benefit of millions of school
children around the country.
Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the National
Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools. As a Catholic school graduate, I
know the value of a Catholic education. I know first hand that Catholic
schools teach students discipline, pride and respect for learning. I am
so grateful to the priests, nuns and lay persons who taught me at St.
Peter's Elementary, Holy Name Elementary, Parmadale, St. Aloysius
Elementary, St. Colman Elementary and St. John Cantius High School for
their love and guidance through my formative years.
I especially wish to recognize the delegation of students, teachers
and parents that make the National Appreciation Day for Catholic
Schools a special day. Their commitment to ensuring an exceptional
education and maintaining quality Catholic schools ensures that
Catholic students in the future will continue to benefit from
outstanding educational opportunities. An overwhelming percentage of
Catholic high school graduates attend college, which is a sign of the
excellent work of our Catholic School system.
I would also like to recognize the National Catholic Educational
Association (NCEA) for their efforts to promote educational and
catechnetical goals. By sponsoring programs like the Seton Awards,
which recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to
Catholic education, the NCEA works diligently to insure better
education across America.
Providing quality educational opportunities for all children is one
of the most important goals of our society. I am encourage by the
ongoing involvement of the students, teacher and parents who are
observing the National Appreciation Day for Catholic Schools.
Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in
celebrating Catholic Schools.
As a student at St. Mary's elementary school in St. Croix from
kindergarten through eighth grade, a graduate of St. Joseph's Mountain
School in St. Joseph's, New York, and St. Mary's College, Notre Dame
Indiana, I personally owe a debt of gratitude to catholic schools for
what I have been able to achieve.
Catholic schools across the country have contributed greatly to the
communities in which they exist and the nation at large. Numerous
studies show that parents place their children in Catholic schools for
the superior academic achievement of Catholic school students. They
1996 tests of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
sponsored by the U.S. government demonstrated that students in Catholic
schools score higher than those in public schools. As a result,
Catholic school education is becoming a popular choice among parents.
Catholic preschool enrollment has increased by nearly 223% since 1987-
88.
As I pay tribute to the 8144 Catholic schools in this country, I want
to pay tribute to those schools that have nurtured and educated me,
those that I have already mentioned, and St. Pius V in Jamaica, New
York.
I also would also like to make special mention of the Catholic
Schools in my district--St. Mary's, St. Joseph and St. Patrick's in St.
Croix, and Saints. Peter and Paul in St. Thomas. The people of the
Virgin Islands and I appreciate them for all they do and have done for
the children of our islands.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the sponsors of the H.
Res. 28 in honoring the success of Catholic Schools in providing a
quality education to millions of children around the country. However,
I am concerned that this resolution also contains language that
violates the sprit, if not the letter, of the establishment clause of
the first amendment, thus insulting the millions of religious Americans
who are struggling to educate their children free from federal control
and endangering religious liberty.
The success of Catholic schools has been remarkable. Catholic schools
operating in the inner-city have been able to provide an excellent
education to students written off by the educational establishment as
``unteachable.'' Contrary to the claims of its critics, Catholic
schools do not turn away large numbers of children in order to limit
their enrollment to the ``best and the brightest.'' In fact, a few
years ago the Archdiocese of New York offered to enroll all students
who had been expelled from New York's public schools! Mr. Speaker, I
have introduced legislation, the Family Education Freedom Act (H.R.
368) which would help more parents afford to send their children to
Catholic, or other religious schools, by providing them with a $3,000
tax credit for K-12 education expenses.
While I join with the sponsors of this legislation in praising
Catholic schools, I am disturbed by the language explicitly endorsing
the goals of the United States Catholic Conference. The Catholic
Conference is an organization devoted to spreading and advancing
Catholicism. While the Conference may advance other social goods
through its work,
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those purposes are secondary to its primary function of advancing the
Catholic faith. This is especially true in the case of Catholic schools
which were founded and are operated with the explicit purpose of
intergrating Catholic doctrine into K-12 education.
Therefore, even though Congress intends to honor the ways Catholic
schools help fulfill a secular goal, the fact is Congress cannot honor
Catholic schools without endorsing efforts to promulgate the Catholic
faith. By singling out one sect over another, Congress is playing
favors among religions. While this does not compare to the type of
religious persecution experienced by many of the founders of this
country, it is still an example of the type of federal favoritism among
religions that the first amendment forbids.
What is the superintendent of a Baptist private school or a
Pentecostal home schooler going to think when reading this resolution?
That Congress does not think they provide children with an excellent
education or that Congress does not deem their religious goals worthy
of federal endorsement? In a free republic, the legislature should not
be in the business of favoring one religion over another. I would also
like to point out the irony of considering government favoritism of
religion in the context of praising the Catholic schools, when early in
this century Catholic schools where singled out for government-
sanctioned discrimination because they were upholding the teachings of
the Catholic Church.
Allowing Congress to single out certain religions for honors not only
insults those citizens whose faith is not recognized by Congress, it
also threatens the religious liberty of those honored by Congress. This
is because when the federal government begins evaluating religious
institutions, some religious institutions may be tempted to modify
certain of their teachings in order to curry favor with political
leaders. I will concede that religious institutions may not water down
their faith in order to secure passage of ``Sense of Congress
resolutions,'' however, the belief that it is proper to judge religious
institutions by how effectively they fulfill secular objectives is at
the root of the proposals to entangle the federal government with
state-approved religions by providing taxpayer dollars to religious
organizations in order to preform various social services. Providing
taxpayer money to churches creates the very real risk that a church
may, for example, feel the need to downplay its teaching against
abortion or euthanasia in order to maintain favor with a future pro-
abortion administration and thus not lose its federal funding.
Of course, the idea that politicians should bestow favors on
religions based on how well they fulfill the aims of the politicians is
one that should be insulting to all believers no matter their faith.
After all, despite what a few of my colleagues seem to think, Mr.
Speaker, we in Congress are neither omnipotent nor divine.
In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I join the sponsors of H. Res. 28 in
their admiration for the work of Catholic schools. However, I also have
reservations about the language singling out the religious goals of one
faith for praise.
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker I rise in support of this
measure to recognize the role Catholic Schools have played in the
education of America's Children.
Last week over 8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools
nationwide celebrated their 27th annual Catholics Schools Week. This
event was established to increase support for private Catholic schools
and to recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the
country.
``Catholic Schools Week'' celebrates education that goes beyond
preparation for a secular life; it is an education that prepares
students for a Christian life. Parents who chose to send their children
to Catholic Schools do so because they not only want their children to
have an excellent education in reading, writing and arithmetic, they
also want to them to have a Christian education.
Although public schools can prepare children for a secular life
through a good education, they are constitutionally bound not to extent
their role as educators into the area of religious education. I
strongly urge parents who would like the benefits of public education
and the rewards of faith based education to make a commitment to work
with those religious communities that share their beliefs in the
development of after school and weekend parochial programs.
This bill states that Congress supports the goals of Catholic Schools
Week, an event sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association
and the U.S. Catholic Conference, and congratulates Catholic schools,
students, parents, and teachers for their contributions to education.
Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students, 24 percent of
whom are minorities. Moreover, only three percent of Catholic high
school drop out of school and 83 percent go on to attend college.
Finally, the resolution states that, by providing an intellectually
stimulating environment rich in moral guidance, Catholic schools
produce students and, ultimately, citizens who are strongly dedicated
to their faith and communities.
I offer my heart felt thanks to the Catholic Schools across the
nation for their dedication to excellence in the classroom as they
prepare young people to achieve excellence in life. In closing I would
like to extend a special thanks to the Catholic Schools in Houston like
Saint Philips High School, and Saint Pius High School.
Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this resolution on
Catholic education, and to share with my colleagues some of the rich
history and achievements of Catholic schools in New Mexico.
The Catholic Church has had a presence in the American Southwest for
over 400 years. Before public education was established in New Mexico,
Catholic friars began teaching at local Indian pueblos. In the early
1800s, the Spanish government, cooperating with the Catholic Church,
established schools in the territory of New Mexico.
Today New Mexico has 29 Catholic elementary schools and 4 secondary
schools. Over 8,000 New Mexico children are enrolled in Catholic
schools and the ethnic composition of the student body reflects the
rich diversity of New Mexico (Hispanic 43%, Anglo 31%, American Indian
11%). I am very proud of New Mexico's Catholic schools and their
students. Last year 324 students graduated from Catholic high schools
in New Mexico. This is a 99% graduation rate and, of those, 99% went on
to post-secondary education.
It's the dawn of a new century: It is a century in which knowledge is
a commodity children must have to succeed. Catholic schools across
America are giving our children this opportunity.
Catholic schools have given New Mexico's children the wings they need
to achieve their dreams. As Catholic schools nationwide celebrate
Catholic school week, we thank them.
Mr. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) that the House suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution, House Resolution 28.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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