[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

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                               speech of

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2009

  Mr. SOUDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 39, and 
specifically in support of the work being done at St. Charles Borromeo 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  According to the 1972 statement by National Conference of Catholic 
Bishops: ``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.''
  Madam Speaker, since its founding the St. Charles Borromeo school has 
been enriching the lives of individuals across Northeastern Indiana. 
With its emphasis on the traditions and principles of the Catholic 
faith, the school seeks to infuse in its students a sense of obligation 
to their community.
  Elementary and Middle School are the early steps many individuals 
take on their way to academic achievement and lifelong learning. With 
its focus on math, computer training and science, St. Charles Borromeo 
equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a 21st century 
economy. Furthermore, by requiring all seventh and eighth grade 
students to study a foreign language, the school helps prepare students 
for the globalized marketplace.
  As the mission of St. Charles Borromeo states, ``all children deserve 
a safe, loving, and respectful environment where children and faculty 
can grow spiritually and academically.'' Madam Speaker, I second these 
thoughts and am grateful for the contributions the faculty and staff at 
St. Borromeo make in the lives of young people. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in support of this resolution and the efforts of Catholic 
schools across the country.

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