[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 1881-1886]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 51) honoring the contributions of 
Catholic schools.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 51

       Whereas America's Catholic schools are internationally 
     acclaimed for their academic excellence, but provide students 
     more than a superior scholastic education;
       Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added 
     education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, 
     intellectual, physical, and social values in America's young 
     people;
       Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for 
     the 2005-2006 academic year was about 2,400,000 and the 
     student-teacher ratio was 15 to 1;
       Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
       Whereas more than 27 percent of school children enrolled in 
     Catholic schools are from minority backgrounds, and nearly 14 
     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 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.''; and
       Whereas January 28 to February 3, 2007, has been designated 
     as Catholic Schools Week by the National Catholic Educational 
     Association and the United States Conference of Catholic 
     Bishops: 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 America's 
     thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools; and
       (2) 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 
California (Mrs. Davis) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. 
Wilson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days 
during which Members may insert material relevant to H. Res. 51 into 
the Record and to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Without objection, Mr. Speaker, I yield the 
balance of my time to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) and 
request that he control the balance of my time.
  There was no objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 51 honoring National 
Catholic Schools Week and the tremendous contributions that Catholic 
schools make to our country. Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has 
celebrated the important role that these institutions play in America 
and their excellent reputation for providing a strong academic and 
moral education, as well

[[Page 1882]]

as teaching community responsibility and outreach.
  I am proud to sponsor this resolution as my first resolution of this 
new Congress, and I would also like to thank the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Fossella) for his work on this resolution. Unfortunately Mr. 
Fossella today has been unable to make it. He is stuck in New York 
today. But he would like to be here also to speak of his support for 
this resolution on Catholic Schools Week.
  This year's theme of Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools: The 
Good News in Education.'' This theme has multiple meanings for Catholic 
schools. At the center of Catholic education is the ``Good News'' or 
Gospel of Jesus and salvation. Jesus taught love and service. And the 
history of Catholic schools reveals an ongoing emphasis on the Gospel 
values of reaching out and serving others.
  But the ``good news'' in Catholic education is also the news of 
success in shaping the lives of so many young men and women. Nationally 
about 2.4 million young people are enrolled in nearly 8,000 Catholic 
schools. These schools have more than 160,000 full-time professional 
staff, boasting a student/teacher ratio of 15:1. On average, Catholic 
school students surpass other students in math, science and reading in 
the three grade levels of the NAPT test. The graduation rate for all 
Catholic high school students is 95 percent, and 83 percent of Catholic 
high school graduates go on to college. These are amazing statistics in 
America today.
  Catholic schools are also highly effective in educating minority 
students and disadvantaged youth. The percentage of minority students 
in Catholic schools has more than doubled in the past 30 years, today 
representing more than one-quarter of all those enrolled. And almost 
one in seven students in Catholic schools is not Catholic. The success 
of Catholic schools does not just come from selectivity. On average, 
Catholic schools accept about nine out of every 10 students who apply.
  One of the reasons for the ``good news'' of Catholic schools is that 
in addition to learning reading, writing and arithmetic, students also 
learn responsibility and how to become persons of character and 
integrity.
  Community service is a priority in Catholic schools; 94 percent of 
schools have a service program, with the average student completing 79 
hours of service.
  I was born, raised and lived in the Chicago Archdiocese, which has 
one of the most successful school systems in the country. Today more 
than 106,000 students attend 276 schools. In my district alone there 
are five Catholic high schools and 34 grammar schools, including one of 
the best in my home parish of St. John of the Cross.
  The success of students in archdiocesan schools is phenomenal, with 
the high schools having an amazing graduation rate of over 99 percent, 
and 95 percent of graduates from Catholic schools go on to college. 
This is certainly a record to be proud of.
  My wife and I are each products of 12 years of Catholic education. My 
wife in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, at St. Patrick's Grade School and 
Bishop McCourt High School; myself in Chicago at St. Symphorosa Grammar 
School and St. Ignatius College Prep. Like so many others, I understand 
how important Catholic schools are in providing a spiritual, moral and 
intellectual foundation. My 12 years of Catholic education provide me 
with the knowledge, discipline, desire to serve, and a love of learning 
that enabled me to go on to earn my Ph.D. and become a teacher before I 
was elected to Congress.
  As we recognize Catholic Schools Week, we must pay special tribute to 
the dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much, 
usually getting paid much less than they could to dedicate their lives 
to teaching at Catholic schools. I have fond memories of my teachers, 
who taught me not only the value of a good education, but also the 
values of faith and service. Although it was 35 years ago that I 
started school, I can still fondly remember all my teachers, from first 
grade, Sister Mildred; second grade, Miss Ivers; and on and on. And I 
will never forget Sister Diane, my coach on the Student Congress in 
high school. And to this day, when I speak to a crowd, I always 
remember her sitting there nodding her approval as I gave my speeches, 
as I was a nervous young kid in high school. Millions of other 
Americans have similar memories of teachers who gave their heart and 
soul and made such a big difference in the lives of their students.
  Mr. Speaker, as an important complement to public schools and other 
private institutions, Catholic schools contribute a great deal to 
America. They have made a big difference in my life and in the lives of 
countless others. As Father William Davis, Interim Secretary for the 
Conference of U.S. Catholic Bishops, said, ``High achievement rates, 
high retention rates, high moral values, and high student and parent 
satisfaction are the distinctive marks of a Catholic school. That's the 
good news and we want to share it.''
  For this good news, America's Catholic schools deserve our praise and 
our support, and to share our praise and support, I urge my colleagues 
to pass this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 51, offered 
by the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Dan Lipinski. This resolution 
increases the awareness of Catholic education while honoring the 
contributions of America's Catholic schools. They are dedicated to not 
only educating their students academically, but to developing their 
moral, intellectual, physical and social values.
  January 28 through February 3, 2007, is Catholic Schools Week, an 
annual tradition in its 33rd year and jointly sponsored by the National 
Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of 
Catholic Bishops. The purpose of this resolution and Catholic Schools 
Week is to celebrate the vital role Catholic elementary and secondary 
schools play in providing a values-added education with high standards 
of quality and excellence to millions of children in America.
  As President George W. Bush has noted, Catholic educators share the 
basic conviction that every child can learn, which is the grounding 
principle behind the No Child Left Behind Act.
  Catholic schools have also played a vital role in the gulf coast's 
path to recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They worked as 
quickly as possible to reenroll their students, while also opening 
their doors to thousands of public school students displaced by the 
storm.
  Catholic schools continue to demonstrate their faith in every student 
and commitment to excellence with overwhelming results. According to 
the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic schools have a 
greater than 99 percent graduation rate, and about 97 percent of 
Catholic high school graduates go on to postsecondary training at 4-
year colleges, community colleges, or technical schools.
  I know firsthand of the significance of Catholic schools in that my 
new daughter-in-law, Jennifer Miskewicz Wilson of Fairfield, New 
Jersey, was influenced by a Catholic education.
  I appreciate the great work being done by Catholic schools, their 
administrators and teachers, as well as their parents and volunteers. 
Catholic schools carry out their servant mission by building the 
academic achievement, character and values of their students. I commend 
my colleague from Illinois for introducing this resolution, and I urge 
my colleagues to support it.
  I would like to congratulate and thank Mrs. Davis and Mr. Lipinski 
for their leadership on the past two resolutions.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to say in 
closing that I thank the gentleman from South Carolina, that I thank 
Mr. Lipinski, the gentleman from Illinois as well, for speaking out so 
eloquently on the critical role that Catholic schools play in our 
society today.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 51 to honor the 
contributions of

[[Page 1883]]

Catholic Schools to our nation's educational system. Too many children 
in our country are not getting the education they need and deserve. 
Catholic schools provide many students with a wonderful education and, 
in many cases, a quality alternative to overburdened public schools.
  I am grateful for the work of the 39 Catholic schools that are run by 
the Diocese of Bridgeport which is based in Connecticut's Fourth 
Congressional District, and serves 10,988 students from diverse 
backgrounds. These schools offer elementary and secondary education, as 
well as after-school programs. They present students with an 
alternative to public schools, and provide a strong sense of faith and 
discipline.
  I commend the teachers, administrators, students and parents for 
their role in Catholic education, and the key role they play in 
creating a brighter, better educated nation.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House 
Resolution 657, which has been offered by Mr. Lipinski from Illinois. I 
thank my colleague for introducing this resolution honoring Catholic 
Schools Week, 2007.
  Catholic Schools Week is an annual national celebration of the 
important role that Catholic elementary and secondary schools across 
the country play in providing quality education for American youth. The 
mission of these institutions--to build solid foundations for lives of 
confidence, faith, and service--has had a tremendous impact in shaping 
family values and community life across the country, and particularly 
in my community in Western New York.
  Beginning the last Sunday in January, the Nation's nearly 8,000 
Catholic schools will celebrate Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 28 through 
Feb. 3. This year's theme is ``Catholic Schools: the Good News in 
Education'' and focuses on the role Catholic Schools play both in 
educating students and teaching them the value of virtues such as 
integrity and dignity. Through education and community service, 
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.
  Together, more 160,000 Catholic school teachers nationwide teach 2.4 
million students, of which more than 27 percent are from minority 
backgrounds and nearly 14 percent are non-Catholics. An astounding 99 
percent of these students will graduate, and 97 percent of those 
graduates go on to college. As these students become adults, their 
intelligence and character will benefit communities in Western New York 
and throughout the Nation.
  In my hometown of Buffalo, neighborhoods are often known by the names 
of their Catholic Schools and Parishes, and the many families that are 
active in Catholic schools are enriched by the values they espouse. 
Indeed, I have spent my life as a first-hand witness to the beneficial 
work of Catholic schools. My mother was a teacher at Our Lady of 
Perpetual Help, and my two children, John and Maeve, attend Catholic 
School in South Buffalo. My family and I are personally grateful for 
the contributions that America's Catholic schools have been making to 
families like ours, and American society at large, for more than four 
centuries.
  I thank the National Catholic Educational Association and the United 
States Conference of Catholic Bishops for cosponsoring this week-long 
event.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join with my colleagues in supporting 
this resolution, and I thank my colleague Mr. Lipinski for his 
leadership on this issue.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rIse today in support of H. 
Res. 51, which honors the contributions of Catholic schools. Catholic 
schools not only ensure that their students are equipped with a 
superior scholastic education, but also emphasizes the moral, physical, 
intellectual and social development of America's youth. This bill 
honors and supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-
sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association and the United 
States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
  Education is a very important value that should be emphasized to 
American young people. This bill congratulates Catholic schools, 
students, parents, and teachers for their role in ensuring that 
American students remain competitive in a global marketplace while 
emphasizing their character development.
  I commend Congressman Lipinski for sponsoring this bill which 
promotes and encourages education. Education is the pathway to a better 
future and an American ideal is for students of every background and 
race to have the opportunity to access equal education. Catholic 
schools have strived to maintain diversity with more than 27 percent of 
school children enrolled in Catholic schools from minority backgrounds.
  Supporting this bill sends a message that we care about the education 
of American students. Not only do Catholic schools educate Catholic 
youth, but 14 percent of those children who attend Catholic schools are 
non-Catholic. We must keep in mind that Catholic schools educate 
America's young people and ensure that they have a brighter future. 
Catholic schools have ensured that they are well equipped to face the 
rigorous challenges after graduation while contributing to their 
character development and helping to raise responsible citizens who 
give back to our communities and the world.
  Thus I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in supporting and 
honoring the contributions of Catholic schools.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here in support of H. Res 51, a 
resolution that honors the contributions of Catholic schools.
  As we get ready to celebrate Catholic Schools week, it's important to 
highlight and celebrate the contributions of the nearly 8,000 Catholic 
schools that exist in our Nation.
  Catholic education has long been characterized by a commitment to 
high and appropriate standards in all aspects of its educational 
mission.
  The history of Catholic schooling embodies a constant effort to 
promote academic excellence for a diverse group of students in an 
environment permeated by religious values and beliefs.
  Aside from America's Catholic schools being internationally acclaimed 
for their academic excellence, catholic school students also learn 
responsibility, and how to become persons of character and integrity.
  Father William Davis of the United States Conference of Catholic 
Bishops said, ``High achievement rates, high retention rates, high 
moral values and high student and parent satisfaction are the 
distinctive marks of a Catholic school.''
  In my district and the surrounding areas, Catholic education is 
rather prevalent. The San Bernardino diocese contains at least 32 
Elementary schools and 2 High schools. A new Preparatory high school is 
also in the works for the Coachella Valley area.
  Catholic schools foster a sense of community. They encourage their 
students to be loving family members; and to be responsible adults 
within the workplace, as leaders of the world and as inhibitors of 
their communities.
  I commend Catholic schools for holding high educational standards, 
instilling good moral values, and community sentiments.
  Let us recognize and honor the valuable traits Catholic schools 
possess.
  I urge the rest of Congress to stand with me, and support H. Res. 51.
  Mr. PATRICK J. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as 
an original co-sponsor and in strong support of House Resolution 51, 
``Honoring the Contributions of Catholic Schools.''
  As a product of Saint Anselm and Archbishop Ryan, I know the vital 
role that Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers play 
towards building a stronger nation. I know that I would not be here 
today without the guidance of Sister McFadden, the assistance of Ms. 
Erwin, or the countless other teachers, priests and nuns who helped 
shaped me into the man I am today.
  Our Catholic schools instill a strong sense of community and service 
in their students: service to our God, to our families, to our towns 
and cities. And it is this spirit of service that leads so many to 
strengthen our communities: in our hospitals, schools, businesses and 
even in these halls of Congress.
  President John F. Kennedy, the first and only Catholic President--and 
one of my political heroes--said: ``With a good conscience our only 
sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth 
to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing 
that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.''
  Mr. Speaker, though I have not been in this Chamber long, I have 
relied on the lessons I learned in the classrooms of St. Anselm and 
Archbishop Ryan to do what I believe is right. And I am honored that in 
the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress we have passed bills to lift 
millions out of poverty by raising the minimum wage and to protect our 
environment by investing in alternative energy.
  But Mr. Speaker, the commitment to justice, peace and service taught 
in Catholic schools resonates far outside this chamber and is felt in 
countless, yet tangible ways in every comer of the nation. And it is 
only through everyday men and women simply trying, as President Kennedy 
so eloquently stated, to make God's work their own, is America the 
nation it is today.
  That is why Mr. Speaker, as a proud former student of Catholic 
schools, I urge my fellow

[[Page 1884]]

representatives to support this resolution honoring the contributions 
of these fine institutions to our communities and Nation.
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to 
Catholic Schools not only in my Home Congressional District of Staten 
Island and Brooklyn, but also the entire nation as we honored Catholic 
Schools Week from January 28-February 3, 2007.
  America's Catholic schools educate nearly 2.5 million students a 
year, providing the nation's young men and women with a broad academic 
background emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual 
physical and social values.
  Catholic school initiatives that reach out to disadvantaged young 
people have touched a diverse group of students who sometimes find 
themselves trapped in underachieving schools. It is not surprising to 
me that more than 27 percent of Catholic school students are from 
minority groups and nearly 14 percent are non-Catholics. Parents 
recognize the importance of a quality education and are willing to 
sacrifice to ensure their children have every opportunity to succeed in 
the world.
  Catholic Schools Week pays tribute to the dedication, character, 
compassion, and values that embody Catholic education in this country. 
I believe it is important to recognize the outstanding contributions 
Catholic Schools make in our country today. Their commitment to the 
educational standards and values ensure our children will have the 
right moral framework to help lead our great Nation in the future.
  I would like to recognize all Catholic Schools in the 13th 
Congressional District of New York: Academy of St. Dorothy, Blessed 
Sacrament, Holy Rosary, Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame Academy, 
Monsignor Farrell High School, Moore Catholic School, Mother 
Francciska, Notre Dame Academy Elementary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, 
Our Lady Help of Christians, OL Mount Carme/St. Benedicta, Our Lady 
Queen of Peace, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Sacred Heart, St. Adalbert, 
St. Ann, St. Charles, St. Christopher, St. Clare, St. John Villa 
Academy, St. Joseph, St. Joseph by the Sea High School, St. Joseph Hill 
Academy, St. Joseph-St. Thomas, St. Margaret Mary, St. Mary, St. 
Patrick, St. Paul, St. Peter's Boys, St. Peter's Girls, St. Peter's 
Elementary, St. Rita, St. Roch, St. Sylvester, Seton Foundation For 
Learning, St. Teresa, Most Precious Blood, Fontbonne Hall Academy, Our 
Lady of Angels, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Anselm, 
St. Bernadette, St. Ephrem, St. Finbar, St. Frances Cabrini, St. 
Patrick School, Sts. Simon & Jude, Visitation Academy, Xavarian High 
School, Xavarian Genesis Program.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 51, a 
resolution to recognize our Nation's Catholic schools and honor their 
important contributions to our students and our communities. I thank 
the gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Lipinski, for offering this important 
measure.
  Roughly 2.3 million students attend more than 7,500 U.S. Catholic 
schools--more than one-fourth of them minority students. Year in and 
year out, these schools have made remarkable contributions to our 
Nation's intellectual growth. For example, on average, ninety-five 
percent of Catholic school students graduate, with eight out of every 
ten of Catholic high school graduates going on to pursue a higher 
education.
  While these schools are widely-known for their academic excellence, 
their contributions go far behind grade point average and graduation 
rates. Rather, Catholic schools also emphasize the moral, physical, and 
social values of our Nation's young people. And for that, their 
contributions simply cannot be quantified.
  Next week, our Nation's Catholic schools, their students, and their 
families will be marking Catholic Schools Week for the 33rd year. 
Catholic Schools Week celebrates the quality of the education available 
to all students in Catholic grade schools and high schools across the 
U.S., and we wish them all the best during their celebration.
  As we prepare to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act and 
continue to work to close the achievement gap between disadvantaged 
students and their more fortunate peers, we also should recognize that 
if it weren't for our nation's Catholic schools and the dedicated 
teachers who serve them, the achievement gap today would be even wider.
  With this in mind, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution to 
honor Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers for their 
ongoing contributions to education, as well as for the key role they 
play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for our 
Nation.
  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I express my strong support for House 
Resolution 51 offered by Mr. Lipinski of Illinois. As both a Catholic 
and product of Catholic schools, I am proud to be an original cosponsor 
of this resolution which recognizes January 28th to February 3rd, 2007, 
as Catholic Schools Week.
  Connecticut's Second Congressional District is home to nearly 30 
Catholic elementary and secondary schools. From the southeastern corner 
of the district in Pawcatuck and Saint Michael's School, to the 
district's northwestern corner and the Enfield Montessori School, 
Catholic schools are an important part of the fabric of education in 
eastern Connecticut. The Archdiocese of Hartford and Diocese of Norwich 
deserve credit for making its schools accessible throughout the State.
  As a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford, 
Connecticut, I know firsthand the academic rigor and discipline that 
Catholic schools demand. They provide their students with strong 
scholastic backgrounds and prepare them for life's many moral 
challenges.
  Catholic schools deserve recognition for their contributions to our 
country. Today more than 2.4 million students are enrolled in Catholic 
schools, and 27 percent of those students are from minority 
backgrounds. Furthermore, Catholic schools emphasize strong community 
development and service. In my hometown of Vernon, Connecticut, 
students at St. Joseph School and St. Bernard school are active in the 
community visiting nursing homes and collecting money and clothes for 
the less fortunate.
  I thank the National Catholic Educational Association and the United 
States Conference of Catholic Bishops for designating January 28th to 
February 3rd, 2007 as Catholic Schools Week. And I thank Mr. Lipinski 
for offering this important resolution. The country's Catholic schools 
are certainly meritorious of such recognition.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
51, a resolution to honor the contributions of Catholic schools. This 
timely resolution comes before us during the annual commemoration of 
Catholic Schools Week, and just days before the National Appreciation 
Day for Catholic Schools on Wednesday, January 24, 2007. This year's 
theme, ``Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education'' accurately 
describes the positive contribution Catholic schools have made to 
providing children with quality education within the United States and 
throughout the world.
  The work of the National Catholic Educational Association and the 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops toward coordinating 
Catholic Schools Week and toward raising general awareness of the 
contributions Catholic schools have made to our communities is 
commendable. Together, their efforts have ensured that Catholic Schools 
Week has remained a success since its inception in 1974.
  Catholic schools have fulfilled an important role in this country. 
The advent of Catholic schools in this country can be traced back as 
far as 1606, when the priests from the Franciscan order opened a school 
in Florida. Today, Catholic schools offer comprehensive programs and 
educational, spiritual, and moral guidance to approximately 2,400,000 
students at nearly 8,000 schools across the United States.
  The number of racial and ethnic minority students enrolled in 
Catholic schools in the United States has more than doubled in the past 
30 years. Racial and ethnic minority students now comprise 27 percent 
of the student population at Catholic schools. These statistics are 
evidence of the commitment to diversity fostered by Catholic schools in 
the United States. Catholic schools are also known for their academic 
excellence. Catholic secondary schools in the United States graduate 99 
percent of their students, 97 percent of which go on to attend college.
  I represent Guam. The Roman Catholic Church has long been an 
intrinsic part of Guam's culture. In fact, Padre Diego Luis de San 
Vitores, a Spanish Jesuit missionary, established a mission in the 
village of Agania in 1665. Guam's population is approximately 85 
percent Roman Catholic. The positive influence of the Roman Catholic 
Church on Guam is evidenced as a result its service to the needy, its 
dedication to the community, and its education of our youth.
  In 1946, Bishop Appollinaris Baumgartner, recognizing the need for 
quality education on Guam, invited the Sisters of Mercy from North 
Carolina to Guam. The Sisters of Mercy established The Academy of Our 
Lady. The Academy of Our Lady became the first all girls' Catholic high 
school on Guam and continues to educate young women today. Three years 
later, Bishop Baumgartner invited the School Sisters of Notre Dame to 
Guam. The School Sisters of Notre Dame founded Notre Dame High School, 
which continues today to provide high-quality Catholic education to 
young men

[[Page 1885]]

and women on Guam. Father Duenas Memorial High School is named in honor 
of the courageous Father Jesus Baza Duenas, who was executed by the 
Imperial Japanese forces occupying Guam during the Second World War for 
refusing to betray the location of an American sailor hiding on our 
island. Father Duenas Memorial High School continues his legacy of 
courage and integrity. All three of these Catholic high schools offer 
rigorous curricula to prepare students for college while instilling 
strong moral values and an understanding of the Catholic faith.
  Archbishop Felixberto Camacho Flores, Guam's first Chamorro Bishop, 
continued Bishop Baumgartner's legacy of shaping the character of 
Guam's faithful by promoting Catholic education opportunities on our 
island. Under Archbishop Flores's leadership, the number of Catholic 
schools serving the people of Guam increased, education programs 
expanded, and school facilities were modernized. In addition to these 
three Catholic high schools, Guam is home to four nursery schools, six 
elementary schools, and six middle schools that teach the Catholic 
faith in addition to other academic curriculum. Our community knows 
well the contributions that Catholic schools make toward providing a 
quality educating to our children.
  Catholic schools on Guam and around the country excel in their 
mission of providing quality and character education to children. Their 
influence has helped form socially responsible and morally upright 
graduates who possess the skills, character traits and compassion that 
help produce good citizens and effective community leaders. On this 
occasion of the 33rd annual Catholic Schools Week, I recognize and 
commend the Catholic schools on Guam and throughout the country for 
their commitment to instilling the principles of academic excellence, 
strong moral values, and a dedication to and fulfillment of Catholic 
ideals in our children's daily lives. In particular I recognize in a 
very special way all of the administrators, the faculty, the staff, the 
students, the parents, and their families of the greater Catholic 
School community on Guam. Their work is a testament to the strength of 
Catholic education on Guam. I also recognize the unfailing leadership 
of Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., D.D., the Metropolitan 
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Agana, and Ms. Cynthia S. Agbulos, the 
Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Agana.
  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to join my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives in unanimously passing H. Res. 51 honoring 
the contributions of America's Catholic Schools.
  As a product of Catholic schools, I know first-hand the value of a 
Catholic education. Through grade school, high school, college, and law 
school, my Catholic schooling not only prepared me for academic 
success, but also taught me to serve my community by sharing my 
Catholic values. Thus, it is no surprise that a Catholic education also 
played a critical role in the intellectual and spiritual growth of my 
own children as well.
  Today, America's Catholic schools are widely recognized among the 
best academic institutions in the country. From pre-schools to graduate 
schools, Catholic intuitions prepare nearly 2.4 million young men and 
women for meaningful lives rooted in spirituality, respect for others, 
and a sense of social responsibility.
  It gives me great confidence to know that America's Catholic schools 
are preparing a new generation equipped with the knowledge and values 
to serve our communities and to meet the many challenges present in our 
world. On behalf of myself and my family, I want to commend the 
thousands of dedicated servants that make Catholic education a 
foundation for a better today and tomorrow.
  Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to 
rise once again with my colleagues to recognize the students, teachers, 
faculty and graduates of our nation's Catholic Schools.
  As Bishop Donald Wuerl has stated ``Catholic schools are a tremendous 
asset to our Church and our nation.'' What graduates of Catholic 
Schools offer to society is not only a commitment to achieving academic 
excellence but also of service to the community. These are traits I 
learned at an early age as a student at St. Barnabas Elementary School 
and Walsh Jesuit High School and I greatly value both my Catholic and 
public school education.
  For instance, 86 schools, along with parishes, youth ministry and CCD 
programs, raised more than $300,000 over the last nine years in support 
of the ``Kids Share A Lunch Nutrition Project'' for the Pittsburgh 
diocesan mission in Chimbote, Peru.
  This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week (January 28-February 3) 
is ``Catholic Schools: The Good News in Education,'' and the good news 
is strong in Pennsylvania. With a 15 to 1 student/teacher ratio, more 
than 97 percent of high school graduates from Pennsylvania's Catholic 
Schools (including both Catholic and non-Catholics) went on to a post-
secondary education following graduation.
  This year, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh celebrate 
178 years of quality education. Pennsylvania alone, has 650 Catholic 
schools with over 180,951 High School and elementary students. (47,079 
High School Students: 133,872 elementary students).
  Dr. Robert Paserba, Pittsburgh diocesan superintendent of schools has 
stated ``parents are choosing our schools because they teach strong 
moral values in a disciplined environment--clearly a recipe for helping 
all children in our schools achieve their highest potential. As with 
our schools themselves, our graduates become a source of hope for the 
world.''
  I believe Catholic schools do promote social awareness and help make 
the world a better place to live. I am pleased to commend all those who 
teach and are students of Catholic schools.
  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, the hallmark of Catholic 
schools is their ability to provide students with a well-rounded 
education. By focusing on academic excellence based on strong morals, 
Catholic schools consistently graduate ethical scholars.
  I strongly support H. Res. 51 because it recognizes this 
distinguished ability of Catholic schools. New Jersey's fifth district 
is proud to be the home of numerous Catholic schools which are overseen 
by the dioceses of Newark, Metuchen and Paterson.
  As we commend Catholic schools through this resolution and during 
next week's Catholic Schools Week, I would be remiss if I did not 
highlight the excellent administrators, teachers, parents, and students 
who make up the New Jersey Catholic School system. It is their 
dedication to their mission that has cultivated a lasting and 
celebrated program.
  New Jersey's strong tradition of Catholic education can be traced 
back to the late eighteenth century when larger metropolitan areas 
started to erect schools which were supervised and supported by church 
authorities. Now, over 200 years later, Catholic schools can be found 
all over New Jersey, educating future leaders to serve their fellow 
statesmen and those who live far beyond our state line.
  New Jersey Catholic Schools operate under the motto: ``Learning to 
love. Loving to learn.'' This maxim pinpoints the consistent successful 
record of Catholic education: instilling a respect and concern for 
others while simultaneously sparking a genuine curiosity and thirst for 
knowledge.
  It is with these things in mind that I whole-heartedly support House 
Resolution 51 and look forward to hearing of the continued successes of 
the Catholic school system, in New Jersey and all over the world.
  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
51, a resolution that honors the contributions of Catholic schools and 
supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week.
  The many accomplishments of Catholic schools and their positive 
impact on students and communities throughout the nation are evident in 
the Fifth Congressional District of Illinois, where schools such as St. 
Pascal Elementary, St. Bartholomew Elementary, and Gordon Technical 
High School provide a quality education while instilling values that 
will serve their students throughout their lives. These schools provide 
strong academic curricula and promote significant parental involvement. 
They teach students the importance of academic achievement while also 
providing a balanced perspective on life that promotes responsibility, 
justice and social service.
  Catholic schools also promote ethnic and racial diversity. An 
increasing number of children in Catholic schools in my district come 
from our minority communities. Students in Catholic schools achieve 
exceptionally high graduation rates, and an increasing number are 
advancing to college and giving back to the community through volunteer 
service.
  Catholic schools foster more than scholastic excellence alone. They 
provide spiritual guidance to students by encouraging fundamental 
ideals and an appreciation for family values, community service, and 
faith in their own lives. This, in turn, shapes Catholic school 
students into leaders of tomorrow.
  I want to take this opportunity to applaud the 2007 ``Heart of the 
School'' award winners. Each year, the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic 
Schools presents these awards to recognize outstanding and innovative 
accomplishments of individual teachers at Archdiocese of Chicago 
schools.
  Two 2007 ``Heart of the School'' award winners teach at schools in 
the Fifth Congressional District, Kristin McCreary of St.

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Josaphat School and Lauren Costa at St. Pascal School. I thank these 
outstanding educators, past winners, and all of the dedicated Catholic 
school teachers in my district for their devotion to their students and 
for setting the standard for teaching excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, I support H. Res. 51 and encourage Catholic schools in 
my district and across the United States to continue contributing to 
the development of strong moral, intellectual and social values in 
America's young people. I thank the National Catholic Educational 
Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for 
their sponsorship of Catholic Schools Week.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 51.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those voting have responded in the affirmative.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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