[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            CELEBRATING 2016 NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 2016

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 2016 National 
Catholic Schools Week. Across the First District of Michigan, there are 
22 Catholic schools providing a first rate education to over 4,100 
students that combines faith with academic excellence. Since coming to 
Congress, it has been an honor to meet with students in Catholic 
schools across my district at St. Francis de Sales in Manistique, 
Manistee Catholic Central School in Manistee, and Menominee Catholic 
Central School in Menominee, among others.
   This year, the theme of National Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic 
Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.'' As a lifelong 
Catholic, former student, and frequent guest of schools across Northern 
Michigan, I know that the Catholic schools in our region are certainly 
living up to these goals.
   This year, Congress was blessed to hear from Pope Francis. Pope 
Francis has called on all Catholic schools to ``provide an education 
which teaches critical thinking and encourages the development of 
mature moral values.''
   In light of this, I have signed onto House Resolution 35, a 
resolution that honors the contributions that Catholic schools have 
made to the United States and its people. I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 35, and urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution as well. Together, we must all recognize the significant 
contributions that Catholic schools have made to our country.

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