[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

[[Page H163]]

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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