[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 15 (Monday, January 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2009

  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Catholic Schools 
Week and express my support for the vital contributions of America's 
thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. In my eyes, 
Catholic schools have had a powerful impact on our nation's history.
  Teaching and instilling the values of service to others, faith, and 
the pursuit of justice, Catholic schools have shaped the lives of 
people for generations. Indeed, I myself have been guided by my 
Catholic faith and the idea of serving others.
  Be it a student growing up in New York City or a Mexican immigrant 
growing up on a bordertown, Catholic schools have been actively 
educating our youth since our country's founding. In recent history, 
Catholic schools have been instrumental in the lives of many young 
Latino students whose families seek an education enriched with moral 
values, supported by faith, and combined with the highest of academic 
standards.
  The 16th District of El Paso, Texas is fortunate to have fourteen 
Catholic primary and secondary schools teaching these values to our 
students including Cathedral High School, Loretto Academy, Blessed 
Sacrament, Father Yermo, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our 
Lady of the Valley, St. Joseph's, St. Mathew's, St. Patrick's, Saint 
Pius the X, and St. Raphael's.
  Today, I want to thank all of the priests, nuns, brothers, sisters, 
and lay people, who take on the commendable task of teaching our 
children. I also want to thank our Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, 
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas for his leadership and 
guidance during these tumultuous times.
  Again Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to honor 
Catholic schools across the country and thank the men and women who 
take part in this great work.

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