[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H414-H417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend
the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 916) honoring the
contributions of Catholic schools.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 916
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 2006-2007 academic year was more than 2,300,000 and the
student-teacher ratio was 15 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
Whereas more than 25 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 the Catholic high school graduation rate is 99
percent, with 80 percent of graduates attending four-year
colleges and 17 percent attending two-year colleges or
technical schools;
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 27 to February 2, 2008, 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 gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr.
Keller) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous
consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend
their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased at this
time to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), the author of this bill.
Mr. LIPINSKI. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 916, honoring the
tremendous contributions that Catholic schools have made to our Nation.
Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated the important role
that these institutions play in America and their excellent reputation
for providing a strong academic and moral education, as well as
teaching community responsibility and outreach.
I am proud to sponsor this resolution again. And I would like to
thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella) for once again working
with me on this resolution.
This year's theme of Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools
Light the Way.'' This theme focuses on the leadership that Catholic
schools provide to our Nation, producing graduates who light the way
for a brighter future for all Americans and for humankind. The theme
also highlights the spiritual foundation of Catholic schools by
reminding students that they are called to ``light the way'' for
others.
Nationally, about 2.3 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. On
average Catholic school students surpass other students in math,
science, and reading in the three grade levels tested by the NAEP test.
The graduation rate for Catholic high school students is 99 percent,
and 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on to college or
technical schools. These are amazing statistics in America today.
Catholic schools are also highly effective in educating minority
students and disadvantaged youth. The percentage of minority students
in Catholic schools has more than doubled in the past 30 years, today
representing more than one-quarter of all those enrolled. And almost
one in seven students in Catholic schools is not Catholic. The success
of Catholic schools does not depend on selectivity. On average Catholic
schools accept nine out of every 10 students who apply.
In addition to learning reading, writing, and arithmetic, students
also learn responsibility and how to become persons of character and
integrity. Community service is a priority in Catholic schools; 94
percent of schools have a service program, with the average student
completing 79 hours of service.
I was born, raised, and I live in Chicago Archdiocese, which has one
of the most successful school systems in the country. Today more than
106,000 students attend 276 schools. In my district alone, there are
five Catholic high schools and 34 grammar schools, including one of the
best in my home parish of St. John of the Cross in Western Springs.
My wife and I are each products of 12 years of Catholic education. My
wife in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at St. Patrick's Grade School and
Bishop McCourt High School; and myself at St. Symphorosa Grammar School
and St. 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, desire to serve, and a love of learning
that enabled me to go on to earn my Ph.D. and become a teacher before I
was elected 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 much less than they could 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 I began in Catholic schools 35
years ago, I still can fondly remember my teachers at St. Sym's, from
Sister Mildred in the first grade to Sister Xavier in the eighth grade.
And I still fondly remember Sister Diane, my coach on the Student
Congress Team in high school. Millions of Americans have similar
memories of sisters, priests, and lay teachers who gave their hearts
and souls and made such a big difference in the lives of their
students.
Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools have made a big difference in my life
and in the lives of countless others. As an important complement to
public schools and other private institutions, Catholic schools
contribute a great deal to America. And let us not forget that every
student who is taught in a Catholic school saves taxpayers money
because they are not part of the local public school system.
[[Page H415]]
America's Catholic schools deserve our praise and our support. And to
share our praise and support, I urge my colleagues to pass this
resolution.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 916, offered
by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski). This resolution
increases the awareness of Catholic education while honoring the
contributions of America's Catholic schools.
January 27 through February 2, 2008 has been designated Catholic
Schools Week, an annual tradition in its 34th 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 an education with high standards of quality and excellence
to the nearly 2.4 million students enrolled in Catholic schools across
the country.
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 on to post-secondary training at
4-year colleges, community colleges, or technical schools. This success
can be 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 academicians but also
good citizens.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2008 is ``Catholic Schools Light
the Way.'' This theme highlights the mission of Catholic schools to
provide a faith-based education that supports the whole child
academically and spiritually and prepares students for future success.
Catholic schools demonstrated an enormous amount of character and
compassion in their response to the devastating hurricanes that hit the
gulf coast 3 years ago. 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 the cost of that education. Instead, the Catholic
schools knew their first priority was to educate these children. In
addition, the Catholic schools in New Orleans have proved to be 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 done by Catholic schools, their
administrators and teachers, as well as the 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 Illinois for introducing this
resolution and urge my colleagues to support it.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 4 minutes to
the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).
Mr. GINGREY. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding and I
thank Ms. Sanchez and Mr. Lipinski as well, and I rise today in strong
support of H. Res. 916 honoring the contributions of Catholic schools
across the country, for the upcoming commemoration of National Catholic
Schools Week from January 27 to February 2.
Mr. Speaker, as a graduate of Catholic elementary and high schools,
Sacred Heart Academy and Aquinas High School in Augusta, Georgia, I am
keenly aware of the contributions that they provide to the 2.3 million
students across this country they teach every year. These include 1,176
students at three Catholic schools in my district, the 11th of Georgia:
St. Catherine of Siena in Kennesaw, Georgia; St. Joseph's in my
hometown of Marietta, Georgia; and St. Mary's in Floyd County, Rome,
Georgia.
Not only do Catholic schools, like Sacred Heart and Aquinas, provide
a strong and competitive academic environment, they also teach moral
and ethical standards, skills for living and self esteem, and a
Christian integration of spirit, mind, and body in each of their
students.
{time} 1345
Upon graduating from Aquinas, I thought that the Catholic school
curriculum would be what best prepared me for my future. But, Mr.
Speaker, I must admit that I was wrong. While the strenuous academics
at Sacred Heart and Aquinas did lay the foundation for success at
Georgia Tech and the Medical College of Georgia, it was the faith and
ethical standards taught at these schools that truly prepared me for
life's struggles.
Mr. Speaker, while opening and running my medical practice, the
respect for life at Sacred Heart and Aquinas led me to value and care
for life at all stages from conception on. And now that I have left my
medical career to serve as Member of this great body, I find my lessons
from these Catholic schools more valuable than ever on a daily basis.
We are all confronted with difficult questions that affect millions
of lives. If it were not for the moral standards and the faith in God
taught at Sacred Heart and Aquinas, I do not believe that I could
properly represent the people of northwest Georgia.
So, Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools in northwest Georgia and all across
our great country provide an incredible valuable service to our
education system and truly prepare their students for a bright future.
I urge all of my colleagues, support H. Res. 916.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, if I could inquire
from my colleague how many more speakers he has remaining.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. I have two more speakers.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. We will continue to reserve the
balance of our time.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I yield 1 minute to
the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta).
Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to stand before you today
in support of House Resolution 916 honoring the contribution of
Catholic schools to the education system of this country.
In Ohio, approximately 12 percent of school children are educated by
private institutions with the vast majority going to Catholic schools.
These schools provide the structure and value system that are important
to their families as their children receive not only a quality
education but a strong moral and social foundation.
Most importantly, the choice of a Catholic education allows children
to have a religious bearing in their education. Many parents make great
sacrifices for their children's education by sending them to Catholic
school, because at the same time they are not only paying for that
Catholic education, but they also have to pay taxes to the public
schools.
I applaud the hard work and dedication of the staff at the Catholic
schools, as well as the parents who seek this education for their
child's betterment. I am pleased to support House Resolution 916 today
and to support our Catholic schools in Ohio and across this great
country.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).
Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 916, a
resolution recognizing Catholic Schools Week and honoring the
contributions that Catholic schools make to our Nation's country and to
the youth of this Nation in particular. Having been a product of the
Catholic school system in Cincinnati, Ohio, myself, having attended
Holy Family School and then St. Catherine School and then LaSalle High
School, and having had both of our children attend Our Lady of Lourdes
School, my wife attended Mother of Mercy, as did our daughter in high
school, my son is a senior at St. Xavier High School, and
coincidentally they happened to win the State football championship in
Ohio this year for the second time in the last 3 years, I
[[Page H416]]
can say firsthand that Catholic school systems in our community and all
over the country are providing significant leadership in the great
education for our youth.
I also happened to be a school teacher at St. Joseph School in the
west end in Cincinnati after I graduated from college. And Catholic
schools provide a comprehensive and wide-ranging education to all of
the students. Not only do Catholic schools promote the intellectual and
physical cultivation of our most important asset, our country's youth,
but they also lay the groundwork for a strong, moral upbringing
resulting in well-rounded contributing members of our society.
The Cincinnati Archdiocese consists of 117 schools totaling over
47,000 students. I am proud to say that several of these schools are
located in Ohio's First District, including two schools, Our Lady of
the Visitation and St. James School in White Oak who recently received
the 2007 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award from the Department of
Education.
I want to urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I want to
thank those here today for their leadership in bringing this forward.
And I might note, Mr. Gingrey of Georgia mentioned the issue of life
and the moral issues that are instilled in many of us from our Catholic
upbringing. I happen to be the principal sponsor of the ban on partial
birth abortion, and we had many, tens of thousands of people who came
here yesterday to advocate on behalf of innocent, unborn children. And
we had many come by our office yesterday, older high school students,
St. Xavier High School students, St. Ursula, Mother of Mercy, Our Lady
of Lourdes, many schools came by. And I want to thank them for doing
that and their showing that the morals, the values that they are being
taught in those schools really are sinking in. And I just want to thank
those in the leadership position here for bringing forth this issue.
And I think it is appropriate that we honor the Catholic school systems
all across the country for the invaluable work that they do for our
country.
Mr. KELLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I
would urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 916.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker. I too rise in
support of H. Res. 916 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools
throughout the country and to support the goals of Catholic Schools
Week. I believe we should continue to support all schools that graduate
our youth in high percentages and prepare them for a productive future.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, Catholic schools enrolled over two million of our
Nation's children during the 2006-2007 school year. With minority
enrollment at 25 percent and non-Catholic enrollment at 14 percent this
past year, Catholic schools continue to teach students of all
backgrounds.
The high-school graduation rate of Catholic schools is an impressive
99 percent, with 80 percent going on to a 4-year college and 17 percent
going to a 2-year or technical college. These rates are extraordinary
and are to be commended.
Next week, January 27th through February 2nd is designated as
Catholic Schools Week by the National Catholic Educational Association
and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The purpose of Catholic Schools Week is to show support for the
Catholic schools, including St. Emydius in Lynwood and St. Helen's in
South Gate, and to their 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.
I believe we should continue to support all schools that graduate our
youth in high percentages and prepare them for a productive future.
I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 916.
Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to
the Catholic Schools not only in my home Congressional District of
Staten Island and Brooklyn, but also the entire Nation as we honor
Catholic Schools Week from January 27-February 2, 2008, which is
sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
America's Catholic schools educate nearly 2.5 million students a
year, providing the Nation's young men and women with a broad academic
background emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual
physical and social values.
Catholic school initiatives that reach out to disadvantaged young
people have touched a diverse group of students who sometimes find
themselves trapped in underachieving schools. It is not surprising to
me that more than 25 percent of Catholic school students are from
minority groups and nearly 14 percent are non-Catholics. Parents
recognize the importance of a quality education and are willing to
sacrifice to ensure their children have every opportunity to succeed in
the world.
Catholic Schools Week pays tribute to the dedication, character,
compassion, and values that embody Catholic education in this country.
I believe it is important to recognize the outstanding contributions
Catholic Schools make in our country today. Their commitment to the
educational standards and values ensure our children will have the
right moral framework to help lead our great Nation in the future.
As a product of Catholic education, I urge all my colleagues to
support this resolution.
I would like to recognize all Catholic Schools in the 13th
Congressional District of New York: Academy of St. Dorothy, Blessed
Sacrament, Holy Rosary, Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame Academy,
Monsignor Farrell High School, Moore Catholic School, Mother
Francciska, Notre Dame Academy Elementary, Our Lady of Good Counsel,
Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Benedicta,
Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sacred Heart, St.
Adalbert, St. Ann, St. Charles, St. Christopher, St. Clare, St. John
Villa Academy, St. Joseph, St. Joseph by the Sea High School, St.
Joseph Hill Academy, St. Joseph-St. Thomas, St. Margaret Mary, St.
Mary, St. Patrick, St. Paul, St. Peter's Boys, St. Peter's Girls, St.
Peter's Elementary, St. Rita, St. Roch, St. Sylvester, Seton Foundation
For Learning, St. Teresa, Most Precious Blood, Fontbonne Hall Academy,
Our Lady of Angels, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St.
Anselm, St. Bernadette, St. Ephrem, St. Finbar, St. Frances Cabrini,
St. Patrick School, Sts. Simon & Jude, Visitation Academy, Xavarian
High School, Xavarian Genesis Program.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 916,
recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and the success of
Catholic education to the personal advancement and academic
achievements of students across the United States.
I thank our colleague from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) and our colleague
from New York (Mr. Fossella) for their work in sponsoring this worthy
resolution and for their leadership on behalf of Catholic education.
The Catholic Church, and its religious orders and congregations
across the United States, serve an important and invaluable role in
elementary and secondary education for our youth. Many Catholic schools
are model schools in the communities they serve and in which they are
located. Character education and a well-rounded, balanced and
challenging curriculum complemented by a variety of extracurricular
activities, a dedicated teaching staff and administration, and a caring
community of parents and friends, are the hallmarks of Catholic
schools.
Catholic education is centered on families and communities, and it
is, like the church, universal in its approach and teachings. Today,
Catholic schools are diverse learning communities where a growing
number of students and faculty from various faiths, backgrounds,
socioeconomic status, and cultures are enrolled. This diversity adds to
the richness of the learning opportunities Catholics schools provide
for our young people and our families.
Students enrolled today in Catholic schools excel in math and science
as well as in grammar and the arts. Students learn with and from
support provided by the greater Catholic community and they are taught
in an environment where Christian values and strong moral guidance are
present.
I join my colleagues on this occasion in acknowledging the value of
Catholic education for our communities and for our young people. The
work of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National
Catholic Educational Association, and the Dioceses of the Catholic
Church across the country, and the Religious Orders supporting
instruction and development at Catholic Schools, is important to the
continued success of Catholic education.
The theme of Catholic Schools Week this year appropriately emphasizes
and reflects a strong attribute of Catholic education: leadership.
``Catholic Schools Light the Way,'' focuses on the leaders that
Catholic Schools educate for the benefit of our communities, our
country, and our world. Today, graduates
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from Catholic schools enter college and embark upon careers as leaders
prepared to contribute to their communities and to make a difference
for all humankind.
On this occasion I recognize the Catholic community in my district,
on my home island of Guam, for all of the collective efforts undertaken
in support of Catholic schools. Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese
of Agana remains committed to serving the people of Guam and most
especially our youth. Under the direction of the Most Reverend Anthony
Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana, Catholic
educational institutions on Guam continue to provide quality academic
instruction to our students. The contributions of the Catholic school
system to the people of Guam are reflected in the success of our local
leaders in the clergy, government, and private sector who are alumni of
our Catholic schools. The dedication shown by the Archdiocese of Agana
to academic excellence and to Catholic education on our island strongly
reflects the theme of leadership for Catholic Schools Week, which we
will join others across the country in celebrating next week.
Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Linda T. Sanchez) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 916.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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