[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 14 (Thursday, February 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 2005

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased that Congress has 
recognized the important role that Catholic schools play in our 
community by bringing House Resolution 23 before the House floor.
  As a proud Catholic, I know the impact that faith-based education can 
have in our society and have witnessed it first hand in my district. 
Schools such as the St. Thomas Aquinas High School in San Bernardino, 
California, are highly regarded for their academic and athletic 
excellence, as well as the life-changing opportunities they provide to 
their students.
  Under the leadership of Bishop Gerald Barnes, the San Bernardino 
Diocese school system has invested in the future of our children by 
providing them the educational tools to succeed.
  Catholic schools in our Nation's education have been paramount in 
teaching the values that we as parents seek to instill in our children.
  They are sources of goodwill and arbiters of moral values, providing 
strong foundations for young people. Their curriculums are often full 
of programs in character development and community service.
  Catholic school graduates exhibit a wide variety of qualities that 
will not only help them in their careers but also in their family and 
community lives.
  It gives me no greater pleasure than to support this resolution today 
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools and I commend 
Congressman Kennedy for his sponsorship.
  I also ask and pray for the quick recovery of Pope John Paul II, so 
that he may continue to lead the Catholic Church and help oversee the 
Catholic school system and their good works.

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