[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H92-H96]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 335) honoring the contributions of Catholic
schools.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 335
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 2000-2001 academic year was 2,647,301, the total number
of Catholic schools is 8,146, and the student-teacher ratio
is 16 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools provide more than $17,239,224,112
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 25 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 Representatives--
(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 gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) 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 H.Res. 335.
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 myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of America's
Catholic elementary and secondary schools and congratulate these
schools, students, teachers, and parents for the dedication to
education in our country. I would like to thank the sponsor of the
legislation, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer) and the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on
Education and the Workforce, for their help in bringing this resolution
to the floor today.
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. I
am fortunate enough, being from central Ohio, to have one school in my
district, a Catholic school, that has been recognized for that success.
They are 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. In fact, St. Francis DeSales, a
Catholic high school in Columbus, is a past recipient of that award.
But Catholic schools provide much more than just a superior
scholastic education. They ensure a broad values-added education
emphasizing the lifelong development of a student of moral,
intellectual, physical, and social values in all of our young people.
They produce students dedicated to their faith, values and 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, Mr. Speaker, to be an original cosponsor of this
resolution. I strongly support its adoption.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution. I
yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, today's resolution recognizes the contributions of
Catholic schools. Mr. Speaker, I attended Catholic schools. I received
a high quality education from these schools and have benefited greatly.
Children all across America have benefited from a Catholic education.
Certainly we can all agree that Catholic schools are a strong and
positive force in American education. Fortunately, the truly great
aspect of American education is its diversity. We must have an
educational structure that can provide anyone in any city in any State
with the opportunity to succeed.
The House's recent bipartisan support for the education reforms in
H.R. 1, signed into law by President Bush, have strengthened these
opportunities. The educational recipe for success in our country
certainly includes Catholic schools, schools with other religious
backgrounds, nonreligious private schools, along with our public
schools. It is this variety, this diversity that truly makes American
education powerful and helps make American education successful in its
mission.
Mr. Speaker, today we are recognizing the educational and societal
contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation. We must
recognize the importance and value that all pieces of our educational
structure have in the lives of our children.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank the author of this
resolution for bringing it to the floor today.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I would just like to point out that Catholic school enrollment
continues to increase in the United States of America, with more than
2.6 million students nationwide for this last past academic year.
Catholic schools also teach a diverse group of students. Over 25
percent of schoolchildren enrolled in Catholic schools are minorities.
Mr. Speaker, the graduation rate of Catholic school students is 95
percent,
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and only 3 percent of Catholic high school students drop out of school,
and 83 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Boehner), the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Ohio for
yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support today of House Resolution 335,
which recognizes and honors the contributions of Catholic schools in
the United States. I commend the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Schaffer)
for his leadership in sponsoring this legislation, and I congratulate
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), a member of the committee, for
bringing it to the floor today. As we all know, Catholic schools
throughout our Nation have a storied and well-earned tradition of
academic excellence and I am pleased to join my colleagues in
recognizing them.
This resolution is straightforward. We are honoring and we
congratulate Catholic schools, students and teachers, for their
continued contributions to education and society and the vital role
they play in promoting and ensuring a stronger and brighter future for
this Nation. This week is the national Catholic Schools Week, and it is
fitting that today we are focusing upon the important role that
Catholic schools provide in giving us a well-rounded education for
America's young people, one that gives special attention to the
academic, moral, and social development of our children. The very
appropriate theme of this year's week is ``Catholic schools: Where
Faith and Knowledge Meet.''
As Ernestine Sanders, the President and CEO of the Cornerstone
Schools Association, a Catholic ``mini-district'' in Detroit, Michigan,
has said, and I quote, ``At his core, a citizen is not a good citizen
without virtue, without integrity, without honor, without a love for
the other.''
I am proud of how 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.
Mr. Speaker, I can personally attest to the outstanding contributions
and dedication of Catholic schools, as I am a proud product of Catholic
schools in Ohio, having attended St. Peter and Paul Elementary School
in Reading, Ohio, and Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati,
Ohio, and then went on to graduate from another Catholic institution,
Xavier University, which is also located in Cincinnati.
In the great State of Ohio, Catholic schools have made a positive
impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of students.
{time} 1445
For example, Fenway High School in Middletown, Ohio, Chaminade-
Julienne High School in Dayton, Ohio, and Badin High School in
Hamilton, Ohio, are all excellent schools that have profoundly
influenced the lives of their students and continue to make significant
contributions to our community.
The top priority of the past year in our Committee on Education and
the Workforce was H.R. 1, a landmark reauthorization of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act, which provides services and benefits to
both public and private schools.
Across our country, many Catholic schools participate in the programs
and activities assisted by these funds. One of the primary goals of
H.R. 1 was to improve achievement for all students, and thereby close
the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and their peers.
Unfortunately, these gaps have remained stubbornly wide over the last
3 decades. However, without our Nation's Catholic schools and the
dedicated teachers who serve them, the achievement gaps today would
even be wider. In fact, some data indicates that one of four Catholic
school students are from underprivileged backgrounds.
Coupled with the fact, pointed out by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
Tiberi), that 98 percent of Catholic school students graduate and 83
percent of them go on to pursue a higher education, it is clear that
Catholic schools have been very successful in educating all of the
students who enter their doors.
Indeed, of the total students enrolled in Catholic schools, almost 14
percent are not of the Catholic faith. These students come from a wide
variety of faiths and they have chosen to attend a Catholic school.
Catholic schools and educators have had tremendous success in reaching
out to all students and their parents who are seeking the best possible
education for their children. This is especially true for inner-city
schools, where in some cases the majority of students enrolled are non-
Catholic.
Malcolm Forbes in his book ``What Big Cities Owe to Catholic
Schools'' said, ``Catholic schools provide hugely consequential oases
of impact and hope. Their value is literally and figuratively beyond
measure.''
I strongly concur with this statement, and I urge my colleagues to
vote today in support of this resolution.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Michigan for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 335
in recognition of Catholic Schools Week. Catholic schools play a
tremendous role in preparing young men and women for meaningful
citizenship and to become future leaders.
In fact, the Archdiocese of Chicago, with 267 elementary and 45
secondary schools, 6,000 teachers, and 130,000 students, operates the
largest nonpublic school system in the Nation. This is a school system
that can claim many noteworthy achievements, including above-average
attendance rates, graduation rates, and college attendance rates.
Every year, the U.S. Department of Education designates schools that
demonstrate excellence as Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence. Two of the
29 schools nationwide that have received this designation three times
are run by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Equally noteworthy is the commitment of Catholic schools to educating
inner-city students, who oftentimes are left behind. Through the Big
Shoulders Fund, scholarships and educational programs are provided to
114 Catholic schools that serve inner-city students. Seventy percent of
the elementary and high school students in the Big Shoulders program
are minorities, and 36 percent are non-Catholic. Ninety-six percent of
the Big Shoulders secondary school students graduate high school, and a
remarkable percentage, 88 percent, go on to college.
So on the occasion of Catholic Schools Week, I offer heartfelt
appreciation to the Catholic school professionals whose dedication to
our Nation's children is enormous. I always say that teaching is one of
the most noble of all professions, and I would certainly take my hat
off to all of those who help to prepare students through a good
Catholic education.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Boehner), chairman of the committee.
Mr. BOEHNER. I thank my colleague for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, I failed to mention that we are joined by the president
of the Ohio Senate, Mr. Richard Finan. I bring this to the attention of
Members because he is a friend to all those who would serve in the
State legislature; but he is another fine example of one who was raised
by and attended Catholic schools.
As a matter of fact, he is a proud alumnus of the University of
Dayton, where he serves on the board of directors at UD, a fine
Marianist university in Dayton, Ohio.
But he is with us today, and it really goes to show you what a good
solid education will do for all of us. As many know, I have 11 brothers
and sisters; and my father did not make a lot of money, he owned a bar;
but he felt strongly about the need for all of us to get a good
education, and made the sacrifice to send all of us to parochial
schools, to the point where heaven knows how my mother was ever able to
balance the books and make this happen, but I thank them for their
commitment to me and my 11 brothers and sisters, because without that
commitment, God only knows, I may not be here today.
[[Page H94]]
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me.
Mr. Speaker, I stand on this floor as a proud graduate of St.
George's Elementary School and St. John the Baptist High School and
Fordham University. Some might say I am an exception to the rule, since
there are so many great graduates of parochial schools, and
particularly we talk today about Catholic schools. The Catholic
education I received provided me with the tools to not only forge
success in life, but gave me an unending desire to serve my fellow man.
That is where I learned this, besides, of course, from my home.
I stand before the Members as the father of three sons who also
attended Catholic school. Not too long ago in our Nation's history,
Roman Catholics were not welcomed in many parts of our society. That
has changed. My Catholic education taught me that every American, no
matter their religion, their creed, their color, had an equal right and
should get an equal chance to the American dream.
When we celebrate the 28th annual Catholic Schools Week, I am proud
to report that Catholic schools continue to be a vibrant patch of the
American quilt. The 8,146 Catholic schools in this Nation serve more
than 2.6 million students. That is a lot of students that would be in
the public schools. We support the public schools, but we are here
talking about a major portion of our society are in Catholic schools.
As a child and lifelong resident of my major city, Paterson, New
Jersey, I am proud to report that 46 percent of the Catholic schools
are in urban areas. Many of these schools educate our most vulnerable
students.
Catholic schools continue to be as diverse as America. One in every
four Catholic students, or students in a Catholic school, are minority.
The results continue to be outstanding. Eighty-three percent of the
Catholic high school students go on to higher education and only 3
percent drop out, a figure well below the national average.
For the three sons that I sent to Catholic school, I knew, along with
learning the three Rs, their spirits would be nurtured. This is the
same Catholic spirit I learned in school: a spirit of tolerance, of
compassion, and service to our fellow man; a spirit that translates so
easily to the secular world of public service this Chamber honors.
I am pleased to add my voice to the chorus of those celebrating the
wonderful achievements of these wonderful American institutions.
Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Eshoo).
Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to
me. I thank our ranking member and everyone that is a part of this
tribute to Catholic schools and the education, the superb education
that they provide for students across our country.
This Congress is devoted to education and to improvement in our
public education system. This is something that is a value of the
American people; and they want it implemented in classrooms across the
country, so I am proud to have been part of the effort to improve
public education.
In our country, we also have other institutions of learning.
Certainly, Catholic schools have given their best and produced students
for the betterment of our Nation. I am a product of a Catholic
education, and I am proud of that. I know that my teachers, along with
my parents, helped shape me to be who and what I am today.
I am very proud of my children being graduates of Catholic schools.
My daughter Karen today is the head of the middle school, St. Joseph's,
in Atherton, California. Her husband, Jim, my wonderful son-in-law, is
part of a high school faculty at Convent of the Sacred Heart.
So I want to pay tribute to all of the lay people that are part of
Catholic education across our Nation, and to the great orders, the
sisters. I am a product of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and my
children, of the Religious of the Sacred Heart. To the brothers, to the
priests, to the nuns that have made Catholic education what everyone in
this country has come to believe it represents, our thanks. They have
contributed mightily to the betterment of our Nation and have deepened
our spirituality and shaped citizens for decade after decade after
decade.
I am very proud that the House of Representatives has chosen for the
third year in a row to make this a tradition in the House where we pay
tribute to Catholic schools and all that they have done. I thank
everyone that is part of this effort.
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the sponsors of the H.
Res. 335 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 spirit, 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 their 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, these 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 integrating 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
favorites 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 were 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 perform 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
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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. 335 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.
This week Catholic elementary and secondary schools nationwide
celebrate the 28th annual Catholic Schools Week. Saint Philips High
School and Saint Pius High School in my District will be celebrating
this 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 them to have a Christian education.
Although public schools can prepare children for a secular life
through a good education, they are Constitutionally bound to not extend
their role as educators into the area of religious education. I
encourage 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 Educational
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 students drop out of school and 83 percent go on to attend
college.
Finally 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 and other
religious schools across the nation for their dedication to excellence
in the classroom as they prepare young people to achieve excellence in
life.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
335, which celebrates the significant contributions that Catholic
schools make each and every day throughout the nation. I would like to
take this opportunity to thank my colleague Mr. Schaffer for continuing
in the tradition of recognizing the role of Catholic schools in our
nation and around the globe.
My district of Guam is nearly half a world away from Washington, D.C.
and is home to more than 100,000 Roman Catholics, who encompass an
overwhelming majority of the resident population. Guam has a centuries-
old history and tradition of Roman Catholicism since the island was
discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Magellan, who was voyaging
around the world, was the first European to land on Guam. He was
accompanied by several of his chaplains when he stepped ashore in the
southern village of Umatac. Centuries later, local residents continue
to celebrate the history of the discovery of Guam with a re-enactment
of Magellan's landing.
The year 1662 ushered the first of multiple arrivals of Spanish
missionaries to the island. Over time, various types of Catholic
teachings have provided Guam's children with educational skills. The
first missionaries began the tradition of ``Eskuelan Pale,'' or
Catholicism classes, which taught basic reading and comprehension
skills and religious doctrines. Today Guam's Catholic schools strive
for academic excellence and continue to instill moral values in their
students.
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.
Three institutions offer a Catholic high school education in Guam.
These include: Notre Dame High School in Talofofo, which is Guam's only
co-ed Catholic High School; the Academy of Our Lady of Guam in Hagatna;
and Father Duenas Memorial School in Mangilao, which together serve an
enrollment of approximately 1,100 students. There are 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,
which together serve an enrollment of 2,300 students. Finally, 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.
As a former educator who was 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 16 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 commit her life as a nun to the
devotion and service of the Catholic church.
Catholic schools continue to provide a broad, value-added education
and to shape the life-long development of moral, intellectual, physical
and social values of students. This week marks National Catholic
Schools Week, which is the culmination of an annual celebration of the
significant educational role of Catholic schools across the nation and
around the globe.
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
important contributions of the Archdiocese of Hagatna, which oversees
the administration of all of Guam's Catholic schools, and,
particularly, to applaud the service of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, for
continuing in the tradition of fostering excellence in the education
and moral well-being of the children of Guam.
I stand in support of this resolution and urge my colleagues to join
in support of the passage of H. Res. 335.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my
strong support for H. Res. 335, a resolution recognizing the valuable
contributions of Catholic Schools.
This week marks the 28th Anniversary of National Catholic Schools
Week, a week dedicated to honor the achievements and successes of
Catholic Schools throughout the U.S. More than 2.6 million children are
enrolled in the 8,146 Catholic Schools in our country.
A Catholic education challenges students through a combination of
high standards, strong motivation, effective discipline, and an
atmosphere of caring. These characteristics foster excellence in
students. In a society where academic and moral standards are
constantly being debased and watered down, Catholic schools
consistently deliver a level of student performance that is well
supported by the evidence. Too often these days, our kids are bombarded
with mushy, well-meaning rhetoric that says that everybody can score
``above average.'' Too many school systems have adopted the false
notion that filling our children with a bogus sense of self-esteem is
more important that actually ensuring that they master their subject
material. President Bush rightfully denounces ``the soft bigotry of low
expectations.'' Fortunately, Catholic schools are part of the solution
of the problem of low expectations.
Catholic school student test performance in the three grade levels of
the National Assessment of Educational Progress exceeds public school
test results by an average of 4.5 percent in math, 4.8 percent in
science, and 12.5 percent in reading. Only 3 percent of Catholic school
students drop out of school, compared to a 14 percent dropout rate of
students in public schools. In addition, 83 percent of Catholic high
school graduates go on to college, as compared to 52 percent of public
high school graduates. While there are a variety of factors that can
partially account for these differences, sociologists and education
therorists cannot explain all of these differences away without
acknowledging that challenging our students and expecting more from
them inspires students to work harder and take more pride in their
academic work.
Catholic schools recognize parents and family as primary educators,
while fostering a shared vision among the two. As the father of four
children who have attended Catholic schools, I know they strive to
create a special bond between families and the school.
As Pope John Paul II said, ``. . . and so the purpose of Catholic
Education is to communicate Christ to you, so that your attitude toward
others will be that of Christ.''
Obviously, children do not from their core moral values because of
what schools teach them. Respect for life, and for the rights of
others, does not start at school. It starts at
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home. But that does not mean that our schools don't have a role to play
in helping parents instill in their children a sense of right and
wrong. Schools can help parents, or they can help undermine their
efforts. I am proud that Catholic schools are working every day to help
parents to instill decency fair play, and respect for others. Parents
know their job is not an easy one these days. Their moral lessons are
constantly being undermined by contradictory messages that bombard our
kids from every possible direction. It's very reassuring to parents of
Catholic school students to know that at least they child's school can
be counted upon to be an ally in this struggle.
Lastly, in honoring the contributions of Catholic schools, we must
not forget or neglect the vital role of our public school system. Both
school systems assist and teach each other. Many troubled children have
transferred out of the public school system and have been turned around
in a Catholic school. This symbiotic relationship strengthens both
systems.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members lend their support to H. Res.
335, and pass it unanimously.
Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Catholic School Week, I
rise today to express my support for H. Res. 335, honoring the
contributions of Catholic schools to our children and our country.
For centuries Catholic schools have been a gift to the nation as well
as to the Catholic church. They have helped millions of children become
informed and caring citizens. In New York, His Eminence Edward Cardinal
Eagen, Archdiocese of New York and Bishop Thomas V. Daily, Diocese of
Brooklyn and Queens are part of a long standing American tradition of
providing quality religious instruction to New York City children,
where the Catholic schools are older than the public schools, dating
back to the year 1800. I am particularly proud of St. Joseph's in
Astoria, whose supportive and dedicated parents I was happy to write a
letter in praise of earlier this week.
Mr. Speaker, from Head Start to high school, Catholic schools prepare
our children to be positive influences on the lives of others,
particularly in urban and inner city areas. They promote academic
excellence and spiritual enrichment. Their values-centered instruction
produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, their families, and
the communities. They provide hope and promise to those who may be
bereft of it. Perhaps most importantly, they have created opportunities
to integrate the families and children of many nationalities and
cultures into America and into New York.
Mr. Speaker, more than 24 percent of school children enrolled in
Catholic schools, such as St. Bartholomew's in Elmhurst, are
minorities, many new to our country and the English language.
In my district alone, roughly 30 schools serve over 8,000 students,
74 percent of which are minorities, many of whom are immigrants. To
these children, Catholic schools perform the tireless work of uplifting
all boats, and ensure that no child in their care is left behind. Their
value to our education system and to society as a whole is--literally
and figuratively--beyond measure. I know these things because I myself
am a product of Catholic schools. The dedicated teachers at Power
Memorial High School, and the principles of the Church that guided them
helped me become the man I am today. In addition three of my relatives
received the divine calling to dedicate themselves to the Lord's work.
My Uncle, Father John Crowley is currently the Pastor of St. John of
the Cross Church in Vero Beach, Florida. Another Uncle, Father Paul
Murphy is a Catholic priest in Philadelphia and my Aunt, Sister Mary
Rose Crowley, is a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame, in West Palm
Beach.
Mr. Speaker, Catholic school and the Church had a profound influence
on my family and myself in the way we learned to see the world. But the
world today is a lot different than the one most of us grew up in. So
perhaps the most significant contribution of Catholic schools remains
their dedication to lend purpose and guidance to those lost in poverty
and tough neighborhoods.
In my district, Catholic schools initiate school enrichment, in
particular ``user-friendly'' after-school and special education
programs benefiting youngsters throughout the Bronx and Queens,
providing direction to children who might otherwise be lost to the
streets. These programs and the strong support parochial schools
provide to children surrounded by urban challenges provided wholesome
influences and much needed structure, making an invaluable difference
in countless lives.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that you please join me in honoring the 200,000
Catholic educators in our country. They serve the 2.6 million students
attending approximately 8,200 Catholic elementary and secondary schools
in America. We thank them for their dedication, their service, and
their commitment to our children.
Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.
Res. 335 that honors the contributions of Catholic Schools throughout
our country. Whatever our religious affiliations we can all admit that
for many generations our parochial schools have achieved positive
results in providing an excellent education.
The graduation rate of Catholic school students is 95 percent, 83
percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college, and only 3
percent of Catholic high school students drop out of school. The
Catholic schools throughout New Mexico have mirrored these national
statistics by providing a high standard of excellence in the way they
educate their students.
For example, the LaSallian Christian Brothers founded St. Michael's
High School, in my Congressional District, in 1859. One hundred and
forty-three years later, St. Michael's continues to provide many of the
families of northern New Mexico with a parochial education that
emphasizes both its religious, academic, and social goals.
Catholic schools, such as St. Michael's, promote positive values, a
sense of spirit and support by educating each student in the spirit of
faith and of academic excellence.
I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution that honors the
contributions Catholic schools have made to our society.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and 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 (Mr. Walden of Oregon). 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
335.
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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