[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H160-H164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 1008) honoring the contributions of Catholic
schools, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1008
Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are
internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence, but
provide students with more than an exceptional scholastic
education;
Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added
education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral,
intellectual, physical, and social values in young people in
the United States;
Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for
the 2008-2009 academic year was nearly 2,200,000 and the
student-teacher ratio was 14 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
Whereas nearly 30 percent of school children enrolled in
Catholic schools are from minority backgrounds, and nearly 15
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 in 2000, the Catholic high school graduation rate
was 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.'';
Whereas the week of January 31, 2010, to February 6, 2010,
has been designated as Catholic Schools Week by the National
Catholic Educational Association and the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops;
Whereas the Nation's Catholic schools emphasize the
lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and
social values in addition to academic excellence;
Whereas Catholic schools educate a diverse group of
students from all regions of the country; and
Whereas the theme for this year's Catholic Schools Week
2010 is ``Dividends for Life--Faith, Knowledge, Discipline,
and Morals'': 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 the
thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the
United States;
(2) applauds the National Catholic Educational Association
and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their
selection of a theme that all can celebrate; and
(3) 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
Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Hawaii.
General Leave
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res.
1008 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Hawaii?
There was no objection.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008, which
recognizes the contributions of our Nation's Catholic schools.
The Nation's first Catholic school was established in 1606 in present
day St. Augustine, Florida. Since then, Catholic schools have become a
critical part of America's education system. Today, the U.S. boasts
more than 7,000 Catholic elementary and secondary schools that educate
more than 2 million students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and
religious backgrounds.
America's Catholic schools are an important education alternative for
many families. Their private status provides them with the ability to
implement rigorous curricula that incorporate moral values and ethics.
Though not all of its students identify as Catholic, each one receives
a quality education experience filled with academic rigor, character
development, and spiritual lessons.
Catholic schools are known for their commitment to the academic and
moral development of their students. Their students consistently
demonstrate high levels of achievement. In 2000, Catholic high schools
graduated 99 percent of their students, with the majority of these
students continuing their academic careers at trade schools and other
2- and 4-year institutions. In the 2008/2009 school year, Catholic
schools maintained a 14-1 student-teacher ratio, giving the students
the benefit of a small classroom environment.
The week of January 31, 2010, to February 6, 2010, is designated by
the Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops as Catholic Schools Week.
[[Page H161]]
Catholic Schools Week honors these important educational institutions
and celebrates their many achievements.
Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution and ask that my colleagues
join me in reaffirming Congress' commitment to education excellence and
diversity with the passage of the National Catholic Schools Week
resolution. I also want to thank Representative Lipinski for bringing
this bill forward.
I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1530
Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008,
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.
January 31 through February 6 has been designated Catholic Schools
Week. 2010 marks the 36th annual Catholic Schools Week, jointly
sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Supporting Catholic Schools Week
and the work of Catholic schools demonstrates support for the vital
role that Catholic elementary and secondary schools play in providing a
quality education to the 2.2 million students enrolled across the
Nation.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops states Catholic schools have
a graduation rate of 99 percent, and about 97 percent of Catholic high
school graduates go on to postsecondary training, to 4-year colleges,
to community colleges, or to technical schools. In addition to academic
success, Catholic educators place an emphasis on the importance of
moral and social character development. By emphasizing the importance
of developing character as well as academic knowledge, Catholic school
educators help students become good citizens as well as academic
leaders.
The theme for Catholic Schools Week 2010 is ``Dividends for Life.''
This theme highlights the good work done by the Nation's Catholic
schools, and it reminds parents that the dividends of a Catholic school
education--students prepared in faith, knowledge, morals, and
discipline--last a lifetime. The investment in a Catholic school
education yields a lifetime of knowledge, moral and social guidance and
community.
I recognize and appreciate the work of Catholic schools, their
administrators and teachers, parents, and volunteers in providing a
quality academic, moral, and social education. Catholic schools are an
invaluable resource to students, parents and to communities.
I have the great privilege of representing the Second District of
Kentucky. Throughout the Second District, there are settlements from
migration into Kentucky that have traditional Catholic backgrounds,
wonderful school systems, and wonderful people who are teaching in the
school system, who are maintaining the school system, and who are
ministering at the schools, and there are the local citizens who fund-
raise and who do things for the schools. Their principal areas are
throughout the district. There's Bardstown, Kentucky, which is a
beautiful city, and then there's Owensboro, Kentucky, a great vibrant
city on the Ohio River. Both of their Catholic high schools are very
successful in students, in athletics, and in serving their communities.
I also have a section of Louisville. Though the schools are not in my
district, Louisville has a great tradition of great Catholic high
schools and of the Catholic education.
On behalf of the people of the Second District, which has such a
great tradition, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may
consume to the sponsor of this legislation, my friend, the gentleman
from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski).
Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008,
honoring Catholic Schools Week and recognizing the outstanding
contributions that Catholic schools have made to America.
As a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius
College Prep and as a strong supporter of Catholic education, I am
honored to sponsor this resolution again this year. I would like to
thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for joining me in
working on this resolution as well as on many other important issues.
Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated how Catholic schools
have positively impacted our country, and it has recognized their
outstanding contributions in providing a strong academic and moral
education, as well as teaching the importance of responsibility to
one's family and community.
The National Catholic Educational Association and the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops have provided exemplary leadership in
conceptualizing and organizing Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme
is timeless in scope and universal in its values. ``Catholic schools--
dividends for life: faith, knowledge, discipline, morals.''
This theme perfectly embodies the call of America's Catholic schools,
always emphasizing the necessity of a well-rounded educational
experience. Nearly 95 percent of Catholic schools have a service
program, and the average student completes approximately 80 hours of
public service. My desire to serve was fostered by the dedicated
teachers whom I had in 12 years of Catholic school.
Today, almost 2.2 million elementary and secondary students are
enrolled in nearly 7,500 Catholic schools. By maintaining an excellent
student-teacher ratio and through dedicated efforts, Catholic school
students, on average, surpass other students in math, science, and
reading in the three grade levels tested by the NAEP test. The
graduation rate for Catholic high schools is 99 percent, and 97 percent
of Catholic high school graduates go on to college or to technical
school. In a country where poor educational reports have sadly become
an annual tradition, these statistics are truly remarkable and should
be greatly commended.
Catholic schools are known for embracing students from all walks of
life and are highly effective in providing excellent educational
opportunities for minority students and disadvantaged youth. Almost
15 percent of students in Catholic schools are not Catholic, and over
the past 30 years, the percentage of minority students enrolled in
Catholic schools has more than doubled. Despite exceptional results,
the success of Catholic schools does not depend on selectivity,
accepting nine out of every 10 students who apply.
In addition to producing well-educated students, Catholic schools
save American taxpayers billions of dollars every year by lessening the
number of students in already overburdened public schools. In fact, it
is estimated that taxpayers save over $1 billion from students
attending Catholic schools in the Chicago area alone and $20 billion
nationwide. The importance of this savings is undeniable to American
taxpayers.
Unfortunately, the current economic climate, combined with decades-
long travails of the middle class, have been hard on Catholic schools
in some areas. Like me, my wife, Judy, attended Catholic schools for 12
years, graduating from St. Patrick's Grade School and Bishop McCort
High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, last year, St.
Patrick's closed. This closing has proven to be a great loss, not just
for the students of St. Patrick's but for the entire community of
Moxham, demonstrating just how important Catholic schools are to the
greater community.
I was born and raised and live in the Chicago archdiocese, which
still has one of the most successful school systems in the country.
More than 96,000 students attend 258 schools. In my district alone,
there are seven Catholic high schools and approximately 50 grammar
schools, including one of the best in my home parish of St. John of the
Cross in Western Springs.
My experiences have taught me the important spiritual, moral, and
intellectual foundations that Catholic schools provide to students. A
Catholic education has granted me the knowledge, discipline, desire to
serve, and a love of learning that has enabled me to achieve my
doctorate degree and become a teacher before being elected to Congress.
In recognizing Catholic Schools Week, we pay a special tribute to the
dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much, in many
cases working for less than they would earn elsewhere.
Many of my formative memories are of teachers who taught me the
values
[[Page H162]]
of faith and service. When I come down to this House floor, I can't
help but remember the coach of my Student Congress team, Sister Diane
Wiefenbach. I cannot forget in high school the impact that she had on
me. That's something that I will always remember. Throughout the United
States, millions of others have similar memories of the dedicated
sisters, priests and lay teachers who gave their hearts and souls to
touch the lives of their students.
Mr. Speaker, American Catholic schools deserve our praise, our
support, and our gratitude. I would like to thank everyone who
cosponsored this resolution. To share our congratulations in support
for Catholic schools, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from one
of our great national treasures, the city of New Orleans, the gentleman
from Louisiana (Mr. Cao).
Mr. CAO. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008, to
honor the contributions of Catholic schools in providing excellent
academic opportunities for our youth.
Catholic schools throughout the United States provide an exceptional
education for our children. They produce students strongly dedicated to
their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an
intellectually stimulating environment which is rich in spiritual,
character, and moral development.
Statistics confirm the success of Catholic primary and secondary
schools. The Catholic high school graduation rate is 99 percent, with
80 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges and 17 percent
attending 2-year colleges or technical schools.
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.''
They continue by saying, ``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.''
Having spent 6 years studying to become a Jesuit priest and having
served as a professor in a Jesuit institution, I have a deep
appreciation for the importance of education guided by principles
embodied by the Catholic church. Education has always been a priority
for me as a student, professor, and now as a Member of Congress.
Representing a district still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, my
mission in Congress is to ensure that children in the Second District
of Louisiana get the education they need. It is unacceptable that
almost half of the students displaced by Hurricane Katrina were unable
to complete their education.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the Representative from Illinois for bringing
this important resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic
schools throughout the United States. I strongly support this
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools and Catholic
Schools Week, and I would urge my colleagues to do the same. In the
words of my Jesuit brothers, ``Ad majorem Dei gloriam.''
Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, to attest to the diversity of a Catholic
education, I, too, have a degree from a Catholic school.
Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Catholic
Schools Week 2010.
From January 31 to February 6, 2010, nearly 2.2 million students who
attend the nation's 7,248 elementary, middle and secondary Catholic
schools will celebrate Catholic Schools Week.
More than 48,000 students attend Catholic schools in the Archdiocese
of St. Louis, which includes 10 counties and the City of St. Louis.
Over 21,000 additional Catholic students are served through 122 parish
schools of religion.
I applaud the efforts of faculty and parents who provide our nation's
children with an excellent education focused on faith and values.
The 2010 theme, ``Catholic Schools--Dividends for Life: Faith,
Knowledge, Discipline, Morals'' reminds parents of the dividends that a
Catholic school education offers. Students are prepared in faith,
knowledge, morals and discipline which last a lifetime. There is no
better way to invest in a child's future--and the future of our nation.
Recently, 10 Catholic schools in my congressional district joined
together and raised more than $200,000 for the Key Player Initiative,
which provides permanent, supportive housing to the homeless in the St.
Louis region. Dan Buck, the head of St. Patrick Center, which provides
services for the homeless and indigent in the St. Louis area, said the
efforts of these students amazed and humbled him. He went on to say
``We learn to never underestimate the power of children and the support
of our community.'' At the same event, George Henry, the superintendent
of Catholic education for the Archdiocese of St. Louis said, ``our
students put into practice what they are taught about treating others
as Jesus would. Through the Key Player Initiative, they learned that
the homeless and poor are right here in St. Louis and did their part to
make this city a better place for all of us to live.'' This initiative
is just one of many examples of the efforts catholic schools in my
district have become involved in, and there are similar stories from
many other districts throughout the country.
Catholic Schools Week is a testament to the outstanding work by the
Archdioceses across the country.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis has a longstanding tradition of
leadership. I thank the Archdiocese for their commitment to enriching
the lives of children by providing an education based on family,
values, and faith.
For that reason, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008, honoring
the contributions of Catholic schools and I am pleased to honor them in
their continuing endeavors.
Vote ``yes'' on H. Res. 1008.
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in
support of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools.
The tradition of Catholic schools in America dates back to settlement
of the New World, and through the centuries, Catholic institutions have
been incredibly effective at educating young people in the United
States. Today, enrollment in Catholic institutions numbers at above 2
million students across the country with a student to teacher ratio of
approximately 14 to 1. Additionally, Catholic schools graduate roughly
99 percent of their students with 97 percent of those graduates
pursuing degrees at institutions of higher education.
Mr. Speaker, as we become a more interconnected and global society,
the education of our young people will become increasingly important.
Catholic institutions help to ensure that those same young people
receive quality educations, and I ask my fellow colleagues to join me
today in supporting H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic
schools.
Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools across
the country, and in honor of 2010 National Catholic Schools Week from
January 31st through February 6th. I want to thank my colleagues--Mr.
Lipinski of Illinois and Mr. Smith of New Jersey--for their leadership
in bringing this resolution to the House floor today, and I am proud to
join them on this important resolution as an original cosponsor.
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 2.2 million students
educated in Catholic schools across the country every year. These
include close to 1,200 students at three Catholic schools in my
District: St. Catherine of Siena in Kennesaw, St. Joseph's in my
hometown of Marietta, and St. Mary's in Rome.
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.
Upon graduating from Aquinas, I thought that the Catholic school
curriculum would be what best prepared me for my future. However, 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 taught at Sacred Heart and Aquinas led me to value and
care for life at all stages, indeed from the moment of conception until
natural death. Now that I have left my medical career to serve as a
Member of Congress, I find the lessons learned from my days in Catholic
schools more valuable now than ever. On a daily basis, I am confronted
by difficult questions that affect millions of lives. If it were not
for the moral standards and faith in God taught at Sacred Heart and
Aquinas, I do not believe that I could properly represent the people of
Northwest Georgia.
Mr. Speaker, our education system is only made stronger by Catholic
schools in Northwest Georgia and throughout the nation which
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fully prepare their students for a brighter future. I urge all of my
colleagues to support H. Res. 1008, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res.
1008. This resolution honors the contributions that Catholic schools
make to our communities and, in particular, recognizes the annual
Catholic Schools Week, celebrated from January 31 to February 6 of this
year. I thank Mr. Lipinski of Illinois for introducing H. Res 1008, for
recognizing Catholic Schools Week, and for his ongoing support for
Catholic schools nationwide.
Catholic Schools Week is an event co-sponsored by the National
Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops. The week honors the principals, teachers, coaches,
and parents who educate more than 2.2 million children in Catholic
Schools. This year, the Conference of Catholic Bishops selected
``Dividends for Life--Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, and Morals'' as the
theme.
Guam's association with the Roman Catholic Church dates back to
Ferdinand Magellan's arrival on our island in 1521. Guam became an
important port-of-call along trade routes through the Pacific sailed by
Spanish galleons. Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, a Spanish Jesuit
missionary, arrived in Guam in 1662 during his journey from Mexico to
the Philippines. Padre San Vitores vowed to return to Guam upon leaving
the island.
Three years later, through his close ties to the royal court, he
persuaded King Philip IV of Spain and Queen Maria Ana of Austria to
order the establishment of a Catholic mission in Guam. Padre San
Vitores established a mission in the village of Agana, which later
became the site of the island's first Catholic Church. It is now the
seat of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, canonically erected in
1911 and elevated to a Diocese in 1965--300 years after Padre Diego
Luis de San Vitores kept his promise to return to the island. The
Diocese was further elevated in 1984 to a Metropolitan Diocese. Today
it enjoys a congregation of 101,000 strong throughout Oceania.
The Roman Catholic faith grew strong on Guam over the years. This
strength is represented in the quality of Catholic school education on
the island. Our island has six elementary and middle schools, and four
high schools that teach the Catholic faith along with strong academic
curriculum.
The Catholic school tradition on Guam began with Bishop Appollinaris
Baumgartner. He recognized our island's need for quality education
inspired by the Catholic faith. In 1946, he invited three Sisters of
Mercy from North Carolina to Guam. They established The Academy of Our
Lady, the first all girls' Catholic high school on Guam. This school
remains in operation today. Also, Bishop Baumgartner invited the School
Sisters of Notre Dame of La Crosse, Wisconsin, to come to Guam in 1949.
Soon after arriving on the island the Sisters founded Notre Dame High
School, a Catholic co-educational high school. Notre Dame High School
also remains open today. Father Duenas Memorial High School is the
third Catholic high school on Guam. Its namesake, Father Jesus Baza
Duenas, was executed on July 11, 1944, by the Japanese forces occupying
Guam. Father Duenas was killed along with his nephew because he would
not betray the location of an American sailor hiding on the island.
Father Duenas Memorial High School continues his legacy of courage and
integrity. Lastly in 2008, the Archdiocese of Agana opened St. Thomas
Aquinas Catholic High School, to further educate Guam's students. The
school is a co-educational high school offering a college preparatory
academic program that challenges and develops its students to become
moral and productive citizens with global perspectives firmly rooted in
the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the teachings of the Catholic
Church. All four schools offer rigorous curricula to prepare students
for college while instilling strong moral values and an understanding
of the Catholic faith.
Today, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana remains committed to
serving the people of Guam. Under the direction of the Most Reverend
Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana,
Catholic educational institutions on Guam provide quality academic
instruction to students. The contributions of the Catholic school
system to the people of Guam are reflected in our local leaders in the
clergy, government, and private-sector who are alumni of the Catholic
schools.
I recognize and commend the Catholic schools in Guam for their
commitment to a rigorous education, sound moral values, and respect and
understanding for the Catholic faith. It is my hope that the tradition
of Catholic schools education on Guam and around the United States will
remain strong for generations to come.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support
of H. Res. 1008, which recognizes and honors the dedication and
academic excellence of Catholic schools in all 50 states as well as the
District of Columbia. Catholic schools provide each and every student
with a quality education and life skills training through the
commitment, professionalism, and faith of their teachers and
administrators. I would like to thank Mr. Lipinski for his leadership
in bringing this resolution to the Floor and I ask my colleagues to
join me supporting its passage.
The impact of Catholic education in the United States is tremendous,
as over 2 million elementary and secondary students, including more
than 100,000 students in my home state of New Jersey, continue to
receive a values-added education with an emphasis on academic
excellence, advancement beyond high school, fundamental morals and
community reinvestment. The graduation rate for Catholic school
students is outstanding at 99 percent with 97 percent of these
graduates choosing to continue their education through college studies.
The week of January 31, 2010 to February 6, 2010, marks the annual
national celebration of Catholic Schools Week. An event which began in
1974, this year's theme of ``Catholic Schools--Dividends for Life:
Faith, Knowledge, Discipline, Morals,'' exemplifies the broad spectrum
of Catholic education. Students are taught to strive for scholastic
excellence, the importance of an integrated focus on the transcendent
importance of God, the skills of personal and academic discipline, and
to recognize and defend moral imperatives.
Catholic schools, Mr. Speaker, are an integral part of our nation's
commitment to education and serve a cross-section of American students.
Catholic schools have a rich history of welcoming, serving and
educating new immigrants. With close to 30 percent of Catholic school
enrollment from minority backgrounds and approximately 15 percent from
non-Catholics; it is evident that this extraordinary institution meets
the needs of a highly diverse group of young people.
In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read a few words which sum
up the unique and extraordinary vision of Catholic education from a
1972 pastoral message by the National Conference on Catholic Bishops:
``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.''
Again, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important
element of faith-based education which serves alongside America's
public and private schools to strengthen and reinforce our education
system.
Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today in
support of H. Res. 1008, ``Honoring the contributions of Catholic
schools.'' I would like to begin by thanking my colleague
Representative Lipinski for introducing this resolution in the House,
as quality education should be at the top of our priority list. I urge
my colleagues to support and acknowledge Catholic schools and their
students, parents, teachers, and administrators across the United
States for their ongoing contributions to education and improving and
strengthening our communities and our nation as a whole.
Catholic schools deliver high-quality education, challenge students
to reach their full potential, and provide thousands of families
throughout the United States with outstanding educational options for
their children. Today, there are over 6,000 Catholic schools serving
around 2,200,000 school children across the nation. In addition to
their service to our nation as a whole, Catholic schools also play an
important role in the education of over 18,000 school children in my
home city of Houston, Texas. Within the city of Houston there are
currently 39 Catholic schools, which educate children from kindergarten
through high school, and there are 24 other Catholic schools within the
greater Houston metropolitan area.
Catholic schools have consistently demonstrated their commitment to
high academic standards, small class sizes and new and innovative
approaches to education. Many parents choose Catholic schools due to
their small class sizes with an average student- teacher ratio of about
14 to 1. Catholic schools have also continually demonstrated their
success in educating students, boasting a 99 percent high school
graduation rate with 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates going
on to higher education. This impressive rate of students that go on to
higher education has served as a great resource not only to the
communities in which these students live, but also to our nation as a
whole.
Our nation's Catholic schools are engaged in educating an
increasingly diverse group of students with nearly 30 percent of
enrolled
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students representing a minority group and about 15 percent of students
from non-Catholic backgrounds. The diversity and educational excellence
of students that can be found in Catholic schools across the nation has
helped to produce students and citizens with a strong understanding of
the many cultures and values that make up our community and nation. I
ask my colleagues for their continued support of Catholic schools and
urge them to support this resolution.
Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution
1008, honoring the contributions of America's Catholic schools. These
institutions provide an education that goes beyond simple arithmetic
and basic grammar, instilling in children a faith and purpose that
continues to serve them long after graduation. Catholic schools thrive
on a sense of community and offer children and their neighborhoods
high-quality education and a nurturing environment to grow beyond the
classroom. This is on display everyday in the 5th District at schools
like St. Benedict, Mt. Caramel, Gordon Tech and so many more.
With more than two million students across the U.S. attending
Catholic schools, their efforts are felt in countless neighborhoods and
in the communities they serve. They hold their students to a strict
standard of excellence by graduating 99 percent of high school
students--a shining example of what our high schools are capable of
achieving.
Further, Catholic schools' contributions are not limited to those
within the Catholic faith. Almost 15 percent of attendees are not
Catholic, offering us lessons in diversity and inclusion. These ideals
are extended further by minority students comprising almost a third of
Catholic schools' student bodies.
I want to thank Representative Lipinski for introducing this
resolution and urge all my colleagues to support it this afternoon.
Catholic schools have and will continue to provide valuable educational
experiences for our nation's youth and we must thank them and recognize
these institutions for all they do.
Ms. HIRONO. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Hirono) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1008, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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