[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 1, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTION OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS TO THE NATION DURING 
                 THE 32ND ANNUAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2006

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, during the 32nd annual Catholic 
Schools Week, I want to recognize the contributions of Catholic schools 
to this Nation. Mr. Speaker, children all across America have benefited 
from Catholic education. I applaud these schools for their long 
commitment to education, to a value system and character development, 
and to developing the kind of lifestyles that students as well as 
adults need to seek. There are almost 8,000 Catholic schools 
nationwide. Illinois is one of the ten States with the highest 
enrollments of Catholic students, with over 181,000 students in 538 
schools in the State. In Chicago, as in other urban areas, Catholic 
schools play an important role in providing quality academic training 
to children and youth. Indeed, the Archdiocese of Chicago was the 
second largest Catholic school system in the country. There are many 
outstanding Catholic schools in my Congressional district. Among them 
is Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Resurrection Elementary School in 
Chicago, and, of course, St. Ignatius Preparatory, which is recognized 
as one of the top preparatory schools in the Nation.
  Catholic schools emphasize discipline, values, and parental 
involvement--three elements that are critical to raising responsible 
citizens. Self-discipline, or the ability to restrain our impulses and 
to apply ourselves in the face of competing interests, is a quality 
that is important for young people and old. It allows us to use 
prudence and wisdom in making choices rather than to act out of 
impulse. Value-added education instills in youth a commitment to others 
and one's community. In an age where many individuals place primacy on 
their personal needs, such a focus prepares students to contribute to 
society by considering the needs of others. The close involvement of 
parents, a hallmark of Catholic education, makes clear that education 
is not something that occurs only within the school house, but is a 
life-long process.
  One of the truly great aspects of the American education system is 
its diversity. The goal of our system should be both public and 
private, and it is to provide anyone and everyone in any city, any 
State, with the opportunity they need to succeed. The educational 
recipe for success in our country certainly includes Catholic schools. 
These schools contribute to the rich diversity that truly makes 
American education powerful. Catholic schools help make American 
education successful in its mission and provide a strong and positive 
force in America's educational system.

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