[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 14 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H174-H180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 657) honoring the contributions of Catholic
schools.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 657
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 2005-2006 academic year is about 2.5 million and the
student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
Whereas more than 27 percent of school children enrolled in
Catholic schools are from minority backgrounds, and nearly 14
percent are non-Catholics;
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;
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.''; and
Whereas January 29 to February 4, 2006, has been designated
as Catholic Schools Week by the National Catholic Educational
Association and the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event
co-sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association
and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 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
Delaware (Mr. Castle) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle).
General Leave
Mr. CASTLE. 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. 657.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Delaware?
There was no objection.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 657 offered
by the gentleman from Minnesota. This resolution increases the
awareness of Catholic education while honoring the contributions of
America's Catholic schools.
January 29 through February 4, 2006, has been designated Catholic
Schools Week, an annual tradition in its 32nd year and jointly
sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association, as well as
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
With this resolution we recognize the vital role Catholic elementary
and secondary schools play in providing a values-added education with
high standards of quality and excellence to the over 2.4 million
students enrolled in Catholic schools across the country. In just my
home State of Delaware, there are over 30 Catholic schools.
According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic
schools have a graduation rate of over 98 percent, and about 97 percent
of Catholic high school graduates go to postsecondary training at 4-
year colleges, community colleges or technical schools. This success
could be also attributed to the importance Catholic educators place on
character and morals. By making the development of moral and social
values an integral part of the curriculum, Catholic schools are
ensuring that their students are not only good academically, but also
good citizens.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2006 is ``Character, Compassion,
Values.'' This theme resonates with the Catholic schools this academic
year in particular. Catholic schools demonstrated an enormous amount of
character and compassion in their response to the devastating
hurricanes that hit the gulf coast last year. In the wake of this
national disaster, more than 300,000 students were displaced from their
homes, schools and communities. Catholic schools opened their doors and
hearts and welcomed these students into their classrooms. They provided
these children with the opportunity to continue their studies without
stopping to consider how to cover the costs of that education. Instead,
the Catholic schools knew their first priority was to educate these
children, and, second, figure out how to cover the greater costs they
incurred.
In addition, the Catholic schools in New Orleans proved to be the
most resilient by becoming some of the first schools in the hurricane-
damaged area to reopen their doors to students.
I appreciate the great work being done by Catholic schools, their
administrators, and teachers, as well as their parents and volunteers.
Catholic schools carry out their servant mission by building the
academic achievement, character, and values of their students.
I again commend the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) for
introducing this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution recognizing the
contributions Catholic schools make to our society.
Both public and Catholic schools provide a strong foundation for our
Nation's children. While our public schools educate the vast majority
of our children, our Catholic schools provide an excellent and
enriching alternative.
I have attended Catholic schools myself. I received a high-quality
education from these schools and have benefited greatly. Sister Jean
and Sister Jerome taught me to read and master phonics. Sister Hilary
taught me Latin, which I in turn taught also. They were the greatest
influence outside of my family. They not only challenged me
intellectually, but forced me to examine my own personal formation.
At St. Mary's I learned the greatness of God and the dignity of
humanity. In Congress, my basic principle is that government's role is
to promote, protect, defend and enhance human dignity. I examine every
bill on these principles of human dignity that I learned at St. Mary's.
Children across America have benefited from the same positive influence
a Catholic education had on me. H. Res. 657 recognizes and celebrates
our Catholic schools for this contribution.
I believe that one of the greatest aspects of the American education
system is its diversity. The goal of American education is to provide
anyone with the opportunity to succeed. Catholic schools are a critical
part of that equation, teaching critical values and providing their
students with beneficial and life-enriching experiences.
The contributions which Catholic schools make to our Nation and our
children strengthen our society and our place in the world. Our
children have more opportunities because both Catholic and public
schools can provide them with a high-quality education. Together these
two sectors of our education system will work to ensure our excellence
in the world.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), the sponsor who has undertaken to pursue this
resolution.
Mr. KENNEDY of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
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Delaware and the others who are speaking on behalf of this resolution.
I am pleased to be here to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.
My first real encounter with Catholic elementary and secondary
students was my interaction with graduates from Catholic schools that I
met at St. John's University. These students impressed me. They were
not only well prepared for college, but they were courteous, kind,
respectful, caring and friendly to me. They say you can tell a tree by
its fruit. By this measure I assume Catholic schools must be great.
I remember a conversation I had while in college with a few graduates
of Catholic high schools reminiscing on their high school experience.
One of these students was so cynical about his Catholic education that
I resolved never to send my children to Catholic schools. Well, it
turns out the cynical student became a priest, so I changed my mind.
Catholic schools really do nurture one's faith.
My wife Debbie and I have four wonderful children. They have been
able to experience the best of both worlds. They all graduated from
Watertown Mayer Public Middle School, and they all chose to attend
Catholic high schools, not just to get a great education, but to be
able to talk about how God influences history and the world around us.
We are pleased to see that they have been nurtured in the Catholic
spirit of helping others. They participate in many programs to help
those in need. For example, my daughter Emily organized a food drive
for Mary's Place, an outreach center for the needy, while she was at
Holy Family Catholic High School. She collected enough food from her
fellow students to fill up a van and feed many in need.
I have so much faith in Catholic schools because they consistently
provide a great education for 2.5 million students across America and
have a student-teacher ratio that averages 15-1.
I can attest to the quality education with two of our children now
attending the University of Notre Dame. Catholic schools have done an
extraordinary job of reaching out to the disadvantaged youth throughout
our country. More than 27 percent of students enrolled in Catholic
schools are from minority backgrounds, and nearly 14 percent of them
are non-Catholics.
Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools make fantastic contributions to
education in this country, but every school must recognize that there
is more that can be done. Well, at St. John's Prep my son's physics
teacher was a former engineer at 3M. My son, his classmates, and likely
hundreds or thousands of other students were not only able to benefit
from his invaluable real-world experience, but they also gained an
understanding of the success that can be achieved by those who study
math and science.
That is why I introduced the Teachers for Tomorrow's Career Act, H.R.
4622, with my Democrat colleague, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Holt). This legislation will bring down barriers so that math and
science professionals can make the transition into teaching and offer
real-world experience to the critical task of teaching math and science
to our children.
The Kennedy-Holt legislation goes a long way toward fulfilling
President Bush's new proposal of bringing 30,000 math and science
professionals to teach in our classrooms, and make sure our children
are competitive in the 21st century no matter what kind of school they
attend.
Mr. Speaker, last week was Catholic Schools Week. The theme was
``Catholic Schools: Character, Compassion, Values.''
I urge my colleagues to join Mr. Lipinski and I in supporting this
resolution to commend our Catholic schools and their teachers, the
parents, and religious communities that support them in their service
to our Nation's youth.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me
time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 657, honoring
National Catholic Schools Week and the tremendous contributions that
Catholic schools have made to our country.
Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated the important role
that Catholic schools play in American education, and their excellent
reputation for providing a strong academic and moral education, as well
as teaching social responsibility.
{time} 1545
This year's theme of Catholic Schools Week is: ``Catholic Schools:
Character. Compassion. Values.'' These words embody the mission of
Catholic education beyond providing top-notch academic training.
Compassion is at the heart of the Catholic faith. It teaches so many
young men and women the strength of character and the strong
convictions that they need to be successful adults and to contribute to
our society.
My wife and I are each products of 12 years of Catholic elementary
and secondary school: my wife in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at Saint
Patrick's grade school and Bishop McCourt High School; myself in
Chicago at Saint Symphorosa Grammar School and Saint Ignatius College
Prep. Like so many others, I understand how important Catholic schools
are in providing a spiritual, moral, and intellectual foundation. My 12
years of Catholic education provided me with the knowledge, discipline,
and the love of learning that enabled me to go on and earn my Ph.D. and
become a teacher before I came to Congress.
As we recognize Catholic Schools Week, we must pay special tribute to
the dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much,
usually getting paid less than they could elsewhere, to dedicate their
lives to teaching at Catholic schools. I have fond memories of my
teachers, who taught me not only the value of a good education but also
the values of faith and service. Although it was almost 35 years ago, I
can still remember Sister Mildred, my first grade teacher; Miss Ivers,
my second grade teacher. And the memories go on.
I will never forget Sister Diane, who was my student congress coach
when I was in high school. To this day, when I speak in front of
crowds, I still envision Sister Diane sitting there, nodding, giving me
confidence when I was a nervous young kid trying to make my first
public speeches. I related these memories while attending a celebration
at Saint Richard's School last week. After the celebration, many people
came up to me with similar memories, memories of teachers who gave
their heart and soul and made such a big difference in the lives of
their students.
To thank these men and women and their tireless contributions and
service, I held a breakfast last week at Saint Lawrence High School
during Catholic Schools Week. We talked about the successes of Catholic
schools and also the challenges that they face. Nationally, more than
2.4 million young people are enrolled in nearly 8,000 Catholic schools.
These schools have more than 160,000 full-time professional staff,
boasting a student-teacher ratio of 15-1.
The Chicago archdiocese has had one of the most successful school
systems. Today, more than 106,000 students attend 276 schools. In my
district alone, there are 34 grammar schools and five high schools. The
success of students in the Chicago archdiocese is phenomenal. The high
schools have an amazing graduation rate of 99 percent, and about 95
percent of those graduates go on to college. This is clearly a record
to be proud of.
Mr. Speaker, as an important complement to our public schools and
other private institutions, Catholic schools contribute a great deal to
America. They have made a big difference in my life and a big
difference in the lives of countless others. They deserve our praise
and our support; and I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution, the
Kennedy resolution, honoring Catholic schools during this Catholic
Schools Week.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who turns out to be a Pittsburgh Steelers
fan, which is a real insult to Philadelphia Eagles fans like myself.
Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of this resolution
recognizing Catholic schools throughout the country. In particular, I
would like to recognize those in the Fourth Congressional District of
Pennsylvania, with several of whom I celebrated National Catholic
Schools Week.
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National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration, as mentioned
by my colleagues; and I am very pleased to have been a part of it in
the communities I represent. It is inspiring to see the students focus,
students who are very lively, normal students, but who also focus on
service and on faith and on commitment.
The young people that I encountered last week were just like any
other student, but in one way very different. They were able to express
for me their moral commitment to service, their commitment to their
fellow man in a way that obviously is a further expression of their
faith. These are the students who I expect will grow up to be public
servants in the future, to be the teachers of the future, to be those
who become missionaries in the future, and those who will make our
world a better place.
I know firsthand the benefits of a Catholic education that emphasizes
that intellectual, spiritual, moral, physical and social values in
students, having attended Saint Richard's School in North Olmstead,
Ohio; St. Mary's in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania; and finally graduating from
the sixth grade at Saint Alexis in Wexford, Pennsylvania, which is
currently my parish.
I have also had the opportunity, as I mentioned earlier, of visiting
many schools throughout the six counties I represent in Pennsylvania
District Four. One thing I learned when I was a State senator was that
these schools not only provide all of these advantages for students but
they provide a significant advantage to the taxpayers of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For every student who attends a Catholic
school, the taxpayers of the commonwealth save a significant amount of
money that would have been spent in the public school system. So
financially, a benefit; socially, a benefit.
I congratulate the Catholic schools, the teachers, and the parents
for sending their kids to these schools and making the United States's
future much brighter.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis).
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman
from Michigan for yielding me this time, and I rise to recognize the
contributions of Catholic schools to Chicago and to the Nation.
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 10 States with the highest enrollment 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 for children and youth.
Indeed, the archdiocese of Chicago is the second largest Catholic
school system in the Nation. There are 34 outstanding Catholic schools
in my congressional district, and I recognize all of them as being
outstanding, as a matter of fact, some of the very best schools in the
Nation, such as Saint Ignatius Prep, known nationally as an outstanding
school. But all of them are outstanding schools. They do an exceptional
job.
Catholic schools, however, like all other components of education,
Mr. Speaker, are facing difficult times. And almost every time I meet
with residents and students and staff, we are all trying to figure out
how do we keep the resources available to keep these educational
institutions intact. So I would hope that as the year goes on and as we
discuss and debate education, that we will find ways to put as much
resources into education as we possibly can, knowing that the
investment will pay off in the end.
Again, I salute the Catholic schools for their outstanding
contributions, and I would like to recite for the Record those in my
district, which are as follows:
Chicago Jesuit Academy, Divine Infant Jesus School, Divine Providence
School, St. Bernardine School, St. Edmund School, St. Jerome School,
St. Stanislaus Kostka, St. Elizabeth School, St. Helen School, Children
of Peace School, Santa Lucia School, St. Pius V School, St. Therese
School, Visitation School, St. Domitilla School, Ascension School, St.
Giles School, St. Luke School.
St. Vincent Ferrer School, Old St. Mary's, St. Angela School, St.
Malachy School, St. Nicholas Cathedral, San Miguel-Comer Campus,
Frances Xavier Warde, Our Lady of the Westside, St. Catherine/St. Lucy,
Immaculate Conception School, Archbishop Quigley Preparatory, Fenwick
High School, Holy Trinity High School, St. Ignatius College Prep., St.
Joseph High School, Trinity High School.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy), alas another Steelers fan.
Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this
time, and I am pleased to join my colleagues in support of this
resolution to recognize the students, teachers, faculty, and graduates
of Catholic schools. At Catholic schools across my State of
Pennsylvania and the Nation, students will receive the highest-quality
teaching in all academic subjects. But perhaps more important, beyond
reading, writing, and arithmetic, students will be exposed to well-
rounded, values-based curricula that teach the mind, the heart, the
body, and the soul. Indeed, Catholic schools don't shy a away from
matters of right and wrong.
The late Pope John Paul II, himself a great advocate for education,
challenged Catholic schools to ``foster in your students a social
consciousness which will move them to meet the needs of their neighbors
and to discern and to seek to remove the sources of injustice in
society.'' I believe Catholic schools do promote social awareness and
help make the world a better place to live.
Last week, as we know, was Catholic Schools Week, and the theme was
``Catholic Schools: Character, Compassion, and Values.'' As a young
student at St. Barnabas Elementary School myself and Walsh Jesuit High
School, I was taught these traits at early ages. I greatly value my
Catholic school education, as I do my public school education.
The 18th Congressional District of Pennsylvania has this diversity of
many Catholic schools, 67 in Allegheny County alone, five in Washington
County, 19 in Westmoreland County. With over 183,000 students educated
in Catholic schools across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the impact
is huge. Eighty percent of Catholic school students go on to college,
and Catholic schools saved more than $1 billion last year in taxpayer
funds in Pennsylvania alone by a reduction of the dropout rate to less
than 3 percent.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this legislation. I
commend the authors and all those who teach and are students of
Catholic schools.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
South Carolina (Mr. Wilson).
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the National Conference
of Catholic Bishops once stated, ``Education fosters the dignity of a
person and the building of a community.'' Today, I am honored to thank
my friend, Congressman Mark Kennedy, for his leadership in recognizing
America's Catholic schools for their continued commitment to education,
and I appreciate Congressman Mike Castle for his managing of the
resolution.
I know firsthand of the effectiveness of Catholic schools from my
school visits in the Second District of South Carolina to the
elementary schools of St. Mary Help of Christians in Aiken; St. Peter
in Beaufort; St. John Newmann of Columbia; and St. Joseph of Columbia,
where I have two godsons, Jackson Gossett and Joseph Fisera; St. Martin
DePorres of Columbia; St. Peter of Columbia; and additionally, St.
Francis by the Sea of Hilton Head Island, along with Cardinal Newman
High School in Forest Acres, South Carolina.
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For generations these schools have served as an origin of opportunity
for millions of Americans by teaching a broad, values-added education.
Catholic schools play a pivotal role in helping American children
develop into responsible and productive members of
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society. Today, almost 8,000 Catholic schools are educating nearly 2.5
million students. Because of their excellent curriculum and strong
emphasis upon values, these schools consistently outperform other
public and private schools. Ninety-nine percent of Catholic high school
students graduate, and 97 percent attend some form of postsecondary
schooling.
Catholic schools also serve willingly in our communities. After
Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, Catholic schools in almost every
State graciously welcomed displaced children from devastated areas
without charging them for tuition, uniforms, books and supplies. Their
recent generosity is simply another example of Catholic schools
faithfully following the Gospel message. As we celebrate Catholic
Schools Week, I join my colleagues in supporting the resolution
expressing our sincere appreciation for America's Catholic schools.
In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September
11.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gutknecht). Is there objection to the
request of the gentleman from Michigan?
There was no objection.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from
California (Mr. George Miller).
Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman
for yielding me this time and for offering this resolution recognizing
the contributions of Catholic schools to our communities and to our
Nation, and join in the remarks of those who have spoken before me on
this measure.
Clearly, as we travel our congressional districts and we recount our
own life experiences with Catholics schools, both in attending them and
in interacting with them in our congressional roles, the magnificent
and incredible contribution they make to our communities and to
building the lives of young people in the fullest sense of the word,
not just the academic performance of these young people, but the
efforts that they make to integrate them into the community in terms of
community service and building their character and building their moral
values and building their recognition of the community in which young
people live, and the diversity of that community and understanding the
need to be accepting of that community, these are characteristics,
these are values, these are principles that we hold dear as a Nation,
and Catholic schools have been fundamental to building those within the
young people that attend these schools.
I had the honor of attending Catholic high school, but only for 1
year, Bellermine High School in San Jose, and I just wanted to express
my support of this resolution and the continuation of the contribution
of Catholic schools to our Nation's education system and the character-
building of our young people.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick).
Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my
support to House Resolution 657, which honors the contributions of
Catholic schools on America's youth, and more than this, their
contribution in enhancing the social framework of our Nation.
Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago President Reagan's Secretary of Education,
Secretary Bennett, remarked that during the first 150 years in the
history of this Nation, that education was not just about the
development of the mind, it was also considered to be the architect of
the soul, and Catholic schools have never forgotten that second, most
important, part of the mission of education.
As someone who has benefited greatly from Catholic education, I can
say unequivocally that the values taught to me by the Catholic school
system prepared me for the challenges and the opportunities I have met
during my lifetime. My Catholic education prepared me to stand up and
make the hard decisions in life with the comfort of having complete
confidence in who I am as a person, and the deep understanding of human
dignity that is so easily forgotten in today's overly commercialized,
media-driven society.
My education taught me the value of developing not only my mind, but
my commitment to my family, my community and my faith. The sisters,
priests and teachers of Bishop Egan High School in Fairless Hills,
Pennsylvania, and my professors at St. Thomas University in Florida
helped me develop those core values, and for that I will be forever in
their debt. Therefore, I call on my colleagues to join with me in
strong support of this resolution, to show their support for Catholic
school systems, educators, students, and contributors.
Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I wish to submit these comments for
extension of remarks.
I would like to speak in strong support of H. Res. 657, a resolution
honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools and thank Mr. Kennedy
for his good work.
As a proud graduate of St. George's Elementary School, St. John the
Baptist High School, and Fordham University, I know firsthand the great
value of a Catholic School education.
Catholic school has been a longstanding tradition in my family. My
three sons graduated from Catholic schools prepared for the challenges
they have faced in their professional and personal lives.
As we celebrate the 32nd Annual Catholic Schools Week, I am proud to
report that Catholic schools continue to play a vibrant and integral
role in the educational and cultural life of our Nation.
Today, nearly 2.5 million children attend Catholic elementary, middle
and high schools. Minority enrollment is nearly 30 percent and non-
Catholic enrollment is over 13 percent of the total.
There are nearly 400 Catholic schools in my home State of New Jersey
alone, serving nearly 130,000 students, and many of these schools serve
our urban districts.
Impressively, the student/teacher ratio in Catholic schools is 15:1,
a ratio which provides teachers the opportunity to truly get to know
the individual needs and strengths of the student body.
Catholic schools provide a disciplined, multi-faceted educational
experience for children.
A Catholic education merges critical thinking and knowledge-based
learning with a spirit of tolerance, empathy and service to others.
This unique approach is exemplified in the theme of this year's
Catholic Schools Week: Character. Compassion. Values.
Teaching students to serve their communities and to develop
fundamental human values enhances self-esteem and enthusiasm, brings
abstract subjects to life, and empowers students to think about worlds
beyond their own.
It may also have a significant salutary effect on academic
performance. Recent studies have demonstrated that Catholic students
consistently perform up to a very high standard on tests assessing
reading, writing, math and science abilities.
What transpires during the education of each and every child has
repercussions beyond the classroom: It will shape the character of the
country that we will become.
That is why I would like to thank the Catholic Schools of America for
the tremendous success they have had in producing a student body well
educated and well prepared to take an active role in strengthening our
society.
This is perfectly illustrated in the generous response that Catholic
schools students have had toward students devastated by the recent
hurricane in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Catholic students delivered more than $1 million to Katrina students
and opened their hearts and schools to thousands of victims. After the
hurricane, New Orleans, with its deep Catholic roots, had 52,000
displaced students enroll in Catholic schools around the Nation, and
Biloxi and Mobile had thousands more.
This is only one example of the contributions that Catholic Schools
are making to our society. I am pleased to add my voice to the chorus
of those who celebrate and honor the achievements of these valuable
institutions.
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the importance of
America's Catholic schools and share my support for House Resolution
657.
As a product of Sacred Heart School in Lake Worth, Catholic parochial
education was a major part of my life and that of my family. My father
first attended Sacred Heart himself as a teacher and then moved on to
Cardinal Newman High School to work as coach and science teacher.
At Sacred Heart, I was taught how to be a better citizen because of
their focus on discipline and moral values. I often fall back on
lessons learned during my formative years--especially in the case of
November 22, 1963. I was in 4th grade and our teachers asked us to pray
for our Nation and for our assassinated President. Though the shock of
the
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tragedy could have easily given way to anger among the faculty at
Sacred Heart, it instead encouraged us to focus on a compassionate tone
by praying for our country and the Kennedy family.
I am and have always been a strong proponent of public education. But
by the virtue of its very nature--publicly funded schools cannot offer
the type of spiritual education that Catholic schools have long
provided. In search of a complete education with the ideals of trust,
faith, understanding and compassion, many families are turning to the
structure, discipline and academic standards of Catholic schools.
Parochial schools in the United States are also responsible for
educating students from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, including
many who are non-Catholic.
I think one of the unique aspects of Catholic school education is the
opportunity to care for the material and intellectual needs of the
child in a community atmosphere. By offering an education centered on
values, the faculty in Catholic schools can create an interactive
setting between parents and students that is geared toward long-term
healthy character and scholastic development for all enrolled children.
Please join me and my colleagues as we celebrate the contributions of
Catholic schools following National Catholic Schools Week.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 657, a
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools across
America, including those in my congressional district of El Paso,
Texas.
On September 21, 2005, with representatives of the school watching
from the House gallery, I proudly rose to recognize the 80th
anniversary of Cathedral High School in my district. Cathedral and
other Catholic schools in El Paso and throughout our country offer a
quality education and produce men and women committed to a broader idea
of learning--one that extends beyond just textbooks.
Catholic schools offer--in more than one sense--a value-added
approach to education. They instill in their students a moral compass,
a sense of purpose, and a commitment to service. Indeed, many of the
men and women who inspired me to spend my life in public service were
themselves encouraged to enter that field by the virtues conveyed
through Catholic education. I count among that group Ambassador Raymond
Telles, the first Hispanic mayor of EI Paso, an American ambassador, an
advisor to presidents, and a man whose success in life was built in
large part upon the ideals he learned at Cathedral High School.
Today, Catholic schools teach 2.5 million young Americans, almost 15
percent of whom are not Catholics. This resolution reaffirms the House
of Representatives' support for the countless Catholic school teachers
and administrators who dedicate their lives to a particular vision of
education, and for the values of love, charity, and hope that are
tenets of a Catholic education.
Again, Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support H. Res. 657 and urge my
colleagues to join me in voting in favor of this important resolution.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
657. This resolution honors the contributions that Catholic schools
make to our communities and, in particular, recognizes the annual
Catholic Schools Week, celebrated from January 29-February 4 this year.
I thank Mr. Kennedy of Minnesota for introducing H. Res. 657, for
recognizing Catholic Schools Week, and for his ongoing support for
Catholic schools nationwide.
Catholic Schools Week is an event co-sponsored by the National
Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops. Honored during the Week are Catholic schools,
students, parents, and teachers across the Nation for their ongoing
contributions to education. The Catholic schools community has a
significant role in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future
for our communities, our country and, most of all, for our children.
Guam's association with the Roman Catholic Church dates back to
Ferdinand Magellan's arrival on our island in 1521. Guam became an
important port-of-call along trade routes through the Pacific sailed by
Spanish Galleons. Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, a Spanish Jesuit
missionary, arrived in Guam in 1662 during his journey from Mexico to
the Philippines. Padre San Vitores vowed to return to Guam upon leaving
the island.
Three years later, through his close ties to the royal court, he
persuaded King Philip IV of Spain and Queen Maria Ana of Austria to
order the establishment of a Catholic mission in Guam. Padre San
Vitores established a mission in the village of Agana which later
became the site of the island's first Catholic Church. It is now the
seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, canonically erected in
1911, elevated to a Diocese in 1965--300 years after Padre Diego Luis
de San Vitores kept his promise to return to the island. The Diocese
was further elevated in 1984 to a Metropolitan Diocese. Today it enjoys
a congregation of 101,000 strong throughout Oceania.
The Roman Catholic faith grew strong on Guam over the years. This
strength is represented in the quality of Catholic school education on
the island. Our island has four nursery schools, six elementary and
middle schools, and three high schools that teach the Catholic faith in
addition to academic curriculum.
The Catholic school tradition on Guam began with Bishop Appollinaris
Baumgartner. He recognized our island's need for quality education
inspired by the Catholic faith. In 1946, he invited the Three Sisters
of Mercy from North Carolina to Guam. They established The Academy of
Our Lady, the first all girls' Catholic high school on Guam. This
school remains in operation today. Also, Bishop Baumgartner invited the
School Sisters of Notre Dame of La Crosse, Wisconsin to come to Guam in
1949. Soon after arriving on the island the Sisters founded Notre Dame
High School, a Catholic co-educational high school. Notre Dame High
School also remains operational today. Father Duenas Memorial High
School is the third Catholic high school on Guam. Its namesake, Father
Jesus Baza Duenas, was executed on July 11, 1944, by the Japanese
forces occupying Guam. Father Duenas, a resistance figure on the
island, was executed along with his nephew because he would not betray
the location of an American sailor hiding on the island. Father Duenas
Memorial High School continues his legacy of courage and integrity. All
three schools offer rigorous curricula to prepare students for college
while instilling strong moral values and an understanding of the
Catholic faith.
Bishop Baumgartner initiated a strong tradition of Catholic
elementary and middle school education on Guam, as well as providing
advanced theological study opportunities for the island's faithful in
minor seminary.
Bishop Baumgartner's legacy of shaping the character of Guam's
faithful by promoting Catholic education opportunities on the island
was continued by Archbishop Felixberto Camacho Flores, Guam's first
Chamorro Bishop, when he became Titular Bishop of Stonj in 1970. The
number of Catholic schools on Guam increased under his leadership. He
expanded their programs and improved school facilities.
Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana remains committed to
serving the people of Guam. Under the direction of the Most Reverend
Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana,
Catholic educational institutions on Guam provide quality academic
instruction to students. The contributions of the Catholic school
system to the people of Guam are reflected in our local leaders in the
clergy, government, and private-sector who are alumni of the Catholic
schools. The dedication shown by the Archdiocese of Agana to the
quality of Catholic school education on our island strongly reflects
the theme for Catholic Schools Week: Character. Compassion. Values.
Guam has a long history of Catholicism and enjoys a strong tradition
of educational institutions grounded in the teachings of the Catholic
Church. I recognize and commend the Catholic schools in Guam for their
commitment to instilling the principles of academic rigor, sound moral
values, and respect and understanding for the Catholic faith in our
children's daily lives. In honor of Catholic Schools Week, I want to
recognize dedication and achievements made by the students, parents,
teachers and administrators of Catholic schools in Guam and across the
Nation. Their contributions to our society, both inside and outside of
the classroom are significant. It is my hope that the tradition of
Catholic schools education on Guam and around the United States will
remain strong for generations to come.
Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring
the important role that Catholic schools play in educating the children
of America, including in my hometown of St. Louis. Catholic schools not
only teach our kids how to think, but also teach them how to live.
Catholic schools have always been known for their high academic
standards and excellent teachers, but I would like to draw your
attention to their ability to provide more than just an excellent
academic education. The Catholic schools in my district are a perfect
example of this--providing children from a young age with a moral
foundation which leads them to serve their community through out their
lives.
It was strong religious and moral beliefs that drove our Nation's
Founders to develop a country where individual freedom is coupled with
individual responsibility. Catholic schools across our great Nation
continue to produce students who understand their responsibility and
act accordingly. The values imparted and the strong faith that Catholic
schools develop in their students produces citizens who understand the
importance of service and diligently work for the good of our country.
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I am honored to represent a district where numerous Catholic schools
provide a rigorous academic education and a moral compass to guide
students through their lives. Catholic schools in Missouri's Second
Congressional District and throughout the St. Louis region produce
well-rounded and morally grounded members of our community. The
teachers, administrators, parents, and students of Catholic schools
deserve this recognition for the tremendously positive impact they have
on our Nation. These schools will continue to play a significant role
in developing responsible American citizens for our future generations.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong
support of H. Res. 657, a resolution honoring the contributions made by
Catholic schools nationwide. These schools provide students with an
education that instills a lifelong development of moral, intellectual,
and social values in America's young people.
Our Nation's Catholic schools provide excellent opportunities for
learning. Today, nearly 50 percent of students enrolled in U.S. private
schools attend Catholic schools. In Connecticut, over 39,000 students
are enrolled at 148 Catholic schools throughout the State. Catholic
schools provide educational opportunities to a broad cross-section of
our society. With over 7,000 schools and current matriculating classes
of greater than 2.5 million students, it is estimated that about 27
percent of students enrolled are minorities. Catholic schools also
encourage greater levels of student-teacher interaction through their
small class-size ratio. The 160,000 faculty that teach at these schools
provide students with both an intellectually stimulating and values-
based education.
As a former student of St. Rose's School in East Hartford,
Connecticut, I would like to praise the outstanding efforts of the
Sisters of Notre Dame for providing students with strong academic and
moral values. The Catholic education I received at St. Rose's School
has guided me throughout my career in public service. At St. Rose, I
was taught the valuable lessons of good works toward others and
society's special obligation to consider first the needs of the poor.
The Catholic teachings have given me a valuable framework for life, and
have enabled me to achieve personal and professional goals.
Again, I am proud to support H. Res. 657. As we celebrate Catholic
Schools Week, we must honor the role these schools play in promoting
and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for this Nation. I am proud
that these schools continue to nurture students dedicated to their
faith, to their values, to their communities and to their families.
These schools develop the leaders of tomorrow with effective leadership
and character.
Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud cosponsor of H.
Res. 657, a resolution to honor the contributions of Catholic schools
and recognize Catholic Schools Week. I want to thank my colleagues on
the Education and the Workforce Committee as well as the sponsor of
this resolution, the gentleman from Minnesota, Mr. Kennedy, for their
work.
Like many of my colleagues, I too am a product of Catholic schools.
My upbringing is a testament to the quality education and dedicated
efforts of Catholic educators to produce students, whether they are
Catholic or not, dedicated to improving themselves, their community,
and our Nation.
At Cathedral Carmel School in Lafayette, Louisiana, I developed a
lifelong love of learning and reading. Through college and medical
school, the lessons I learned in high school helped me to work through
classes and assignments. Even throughout my professional career as a
heart surgeon and now in Congress, I find myself relying on the
personal development and classroom lessons from high school.
The Seventh District of Louisiana contains a strong Catholic school
system; and I have met with many students, parents, and educators who
believe these schools are helping to create students and young adults
who will stay in Louisiana and become productive members of our
community.
As we recover from the devastating effects of Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita, Louisiana Catholic schools have played an integral role in our
relief and recovery, taking in thousands of displaced students. Keeping
our students in Louisiana is a big part of restoring our state's
economy. These young adults provide entrepreneurship, creativity,
workforce, and ingenuity to build businesses and create jobs.
Again, I congratulate the Catholic schools of our great Nation and
look forward to continuing to support them in my community and in
Congress.
Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, President John F. Kennedy said in his
Inaugural Address: ``With a good conscience our only sure reward, with
history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land
we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on
earth, God's work must truly be our own.'' I rise today to thank our
Catholic schools for doing God's work here on earth for generation
after generation.
More than 163,000 educators teach in nearly 8,000 Catholic schools in
America, and they educate nearly 2.5 million students every year. My
husband and I and our five children have attended over 100 years of
Catholic school education. Needless to say, we support our Nation's
Catholic educational system.
I can tell you firsthand that Catholic schools provide exceptional
education. They contribute to a student's intellectual, ethical and
spiritual development. As a devout Roman Catholic and the product of
Catholic schools, I rely every day on the values and the sense of
responsibility that were deepened for me by my Catholic education.
The theme of this year's Catholic Schools Week is ``Character.
Compassion. Values.'' Education is about more than reading, writing,
and arithmetic, although it's certainly about that. But it is also
about teaching each child to live and work with integrity and in a way
that serves others.
My Catholic education helped me appreciate that we all contain a
spark of divinity, to recognize that spark of divinity in every person,
and to respond to that spark with humility and awe, even when it's
found in ``the least of these.''
Catholic schools teach their students that our personal faith means
public obligation. Simply put, faith means we have work to do. My
Catholic education taught me that to minister to the needs of God's
creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the
God who made us. That lesson should inform every debate we have here in
Congress, whether it is education, health care, job creation, or the
budget, which should be a statement of our national values.
Our Catholic schools truly do God's work here on earth, and they
deserve our Nation's gratitude. I join my colleagues in thanking all of
the teachers, parents, and students of Catholic schools who bring our
Nation closer to the ``beloved community'' it was meant to be.
Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to
recognize the Catholic schools of Pittsburgh. Catholic schools around
the country will celebrate National Catholic School's Week from January
29 until February 4, 2006.
National Catholic School's Week is a week to promote Catholic
schools. Every year there is a theme for the week, and schools hold
special events for the students and their families. This year about
8,200 schools nationally will be participating in and celebrating the
theme, ``Catholic Schools: Character, Compassion, Values.''
I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to
join me in honoring National Catholic School's Week. It is an honor to
represent the Fourth Congressional District of Pennsylvania and a
pleasure to salute the Catholic schools of Pittsburgh.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my
strong support for H. Res. 657, a resolution recognizing the valuable
contribution of Catholic Schools.
Last week marked the 32nd annual Catholic Schools Week, a week
dedicated to honor the achievements and successes of Catholic Schools
throughout the U.S. More than 2.4 million children are enrolled in the
7,799 Catholic schools in our country. In addition, 720,000 students
are enrolled in the 212 Catholic Colleges and Universities nationwide.
In my home State of New Jersey, 129,232 students are enrolled in
Catholic Schools. In fact, New Jersey has the sixth largest enrollment
of students in Catholic Schools out of all 50 States.
Of course, children do not form their core values on the sole basis
of what schools teach them. Learning a respect for life and respect for
the rights of others is not the purview of schools alone; it begins and
is nurtured in the home. Accordingly, the Catholic school curriculum
recognizes parents and family as primary educators and seeks to foster
a shared vision between the school and family. As the father of four
children who have attended Catholic schools, I know that Catholic
school educators strive to work hand-in-hand reinforcing family values,
ethical behavior, social responsibility, and academic achievement.
Placing a premium on both academic standards and moral responsibility
has proven to be a successful formula for Catholic Schools. Catholic
Secondary Schools have a 99 percent graduation rate and moreover, 97
percent of graduates continue their education.
Learning in a religious setting is not for everyone and America's
public school system is critical to providing educational opportunities
for all. We must continue to vigorously support our public schools at
both the federal and local levels. At the same time, however, we should
support those who seek the benefits of Catholic school and choose a
religious setting as the best educational environment for their
children. The contribution of Catholic schools to our Nation extends
beyond the classroom. Catholic elementary and secondary schools save
the government and taxpayers of the U.S. up to $20 billion a year.
[[Page H180]]
In effect, parents of Catholic school children pay twice--they pay
their fair share of taxes necessary to support the public school system
and they pay tuition at the school their children attend. In order to
address this issue, I have introduced H.R. 441, the Education,
Achievement and Opportunity Act. This bill provides refundable tax
credits for the educational expenses incurred by parents for elementary
and secondary school. Most significantly, the tax credit is used for
private school tuition, however, it can also be used for other
educational needs such as computers, tutoring or transportation fees.
Thus, parents sending their children to public school can also benefit
from this legislation.
A Catholic education challenges students through a combination of
high standards, strong motivation, effective discipline and an emphasis
on personal responsibility. It is an education that goes beyond
preparation for a secular life; it is an education that prepares
students for a Christian life.
Mr. Speaker, I ask that all Members lend their support to H. Res.
657, and pass it unanimously.
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 657, legislation
that supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, and acknowledges the
crucial role that Catholic schools play in serving and strengthening
our communities.
I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution. Catholic schools
have an impact far beyond the confines of the classroom. Values such as
devotion to faith, family, community, and character development, are
the foundations of Catholic education. These values promote a respect
for the dignity of individuals, and encourage outstanding civic
participation.
Catholic schools are also scholastic standard bearers. With a
student-to-teacher ratio of 15 to 1, they are committed to smaller
class sizes. Smaller classes correlate with more accomplished students
which in turn leads to the global competitiveness of American students
in the 21st century.
In the 12th District of New Jersey, Catholic schools continue to work
to serve communities. Corpus Christi School, a Catholic elementary
school in the town of South River, at one time struggled to keep its
doors open. However, through the efforts of concerned parents, alumni,
and prodigious fundraising, the school was able to remain open. Corpus
Christi now provides assistance to the whole community, offering a pre-
kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-old children. During Catholic
Schools Week, Corpus Christi will be offering reduced tuition rates.
Other schools in the 12th district will be celebrating Catholic Schools
Week, including the Immaculate Conception in Spotswood, which will be
using its activities to raise money for St. Jude's Hospital for
Children.
These schools, and Catholic schools in general, advance ideals that
we all hold dear. They enrich our communities, and I am proud to join
with my colleagues in supporting this resolution.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 657 to honor the
contributions of Catholic schools. Catholic schools provide students
with a wonderful education and, in many cases, a quality alternative to
overburdened public schools.
I am grateful for the work of the 39 Catholic schools which serve
10,395 students from diverse backgrounds, run by the Diocese of
Bridgeport. These schools offer elementary and secondary education, as
well as after-school programs. They provide a wonderful environment for
learning and a strong sense of faith and discipline.
I commend the teachers, administrators, students and parents for
their role in Catholic education, and the key role they play in
creating a brighter, better-educated nation.
Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bonner). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 657.
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. CASTLE. 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 question will
be postponed.
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