[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E166-E167]
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 
especially in support of Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, IN.
  Madam Speaker, Catholic schools are an incredible asset to our 
country. Throughout much of our history, Catholic schools have provided 
a solid moral and intellectual education to millions of students, and 
served as a crucial stabilizing force for many immigrants to our great 
Nation. Catholic schools have been able to build communities of 
character in a way unique to much of the rest of our educational 
system, testified to by the untold amounts of service that have been 
performed by their graduates.
  Bishop Luers is no different. In its mission statement, Bishop Luers 
pledges to equip each graduate with the spiritual, academic, and social 
tools they need to serve God and others--that they may be light to the 
world, so that, in the words of Matthew, others ``may see your good 
deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.''
  Madam Speaker, Bishop Luers does this incredibly well. The school has 
many successful graduates, an excellent graduation rate, and impressive 
athletic achievements. In fact, Bishop Luers has been named one of the 
Nation's leading Catholic high schools by the national Catholic High 
School Honor Roll. The men and women of Bishop Luers who each day serve 
students and families deserve our deep gratitude.
  Let me also take a moment briefly to note the incredible work 
Catholic schools have done and continue to do for minorities, often 
non-Catholic, and often for very low cost. Indeed, in many poor 
neighborhoods, the Catholic school is the only good option available to 
parents. In this way, Catholic schools play a crucial role in the 
pursuit of justice by building communities that respect the dignity of 
all people. They deserve our support.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join with me in honoring 
Bishop Luers and other Catholic schools across the country. It is no 
exaggeration to say that such schools are critical to the future of our 
country.

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