[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

[[Page H417]]

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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