[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 1196-1201]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 39) honoring the contributions of Catholic 
schools.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 39

       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;

[[Page 1197]]

       Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for 
     the 2007-2008 academic year was nearly 2,300,000 and the 
     student-teacher ratio was 14 to 1;
       Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
       Whereas more than 25 percent of school children enrolled in 
     Catholic schools are from minority backgrounds, and over 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 the Catholic high school graduation rate is 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.''; and
       Whereas January 25, 2009, to January 31, 2009, 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 gentleman from 
Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during 
which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on 
H. Res. 39 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Iowa?
  There was no objection.

                              {time}  1300

  Mr. LOEBSACK. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 39, which 
recognizes the achievements of Catholic schools across the Nation. I am 
pleased to honor these outstanding elementary, secondary and higher 
learning institutions. I commend them for their commitment to academic 
excellence and moral values. In doing so, I support January 25 to 
January 31 as Catholic Schools Week.
  In the late 19th century, Catholic schools emerged as an alternative 
to public schools and to traditional private schools. As private 
institutions, Catholic schools were able to design their own academic 
curriculum by teaching religious values and ethics while maintaining 
high academic standards. And after 100 years of existence, Catholic 
schools remain very popular and respected institutions.
  Last year, Catholic schools served over 2 million students while 
maintaining a 14 to 1 teacher-student ratio, giving students the 
benefit of a small-classroom environment. Catholic schools also boast a 
diverse enrollment; 25 percent of its students nationwide are from 
minority backgrounds and 14 percent are non-Catholics. The schools 
provide unique experiences where students can excel. Catholic high 
schools have a 99 percent graduation rate with 80 percent of their 
graduates advancing to 4-year colleges, while 17 percent pursue 2-year 
colleges. It's clear that Catholic schools are encouraging their 
students to pursue higher education opportunities, and I applaud them 
for their efforts. There are 7,500 Catholic schools across this Nation. 
With modest tuition rates, Catholic schools are affordable for most 
working and middle-class families. As Congress salutes these religious 
educational institutions, we reaffirm our commitment to education, 
excellence and diversity.
  Madam Speaker, I support the Catholic Schools Week, and I urge my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EHLERS. It is with great pleasure that I rise today in support of 
House Resolution 39 offered by a good friend of mine, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski). This resolution increases our awareness 
of Catholic education while honoring the contributions of America's 
Catholic schools. I am also very pleased to be a cosponsor of this 
resolution. I have a long background with education and religious 
schools. My father was a pastor, and our denomination has supported 
Christian day schools for a considerable length of time and shares the 
approach and the ideas of the Catholic schools. Our schools were very 
effective in educating students. Emphasis was on academics, but also on 
how that applied to the world today and what responsibility we as 
students, and later adults, had to use our religious beliefs in the 
benefit of our fellow human beings and our Nation. Catholic schools 
have followed in this tradition.
  I am pleased that January 25 through January 31, 2009, has been 
designated Catholic Schools Week, an annual tradition in its 35th year, 
and jointly sponsored by the National Catholic Education Association, 
as well as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. With this 
resolution, we recognize the vital role Catholic elementary and 
secondary schools play in providing an education with high standards of 
quality and excellence to the nearly 2.3 million students enrolled in 
Catholic schools across the country.
  One thing I have always admired when I visit Catholic schools and 
speak to their students is the tremendous discipline in the classroom. 
And I wish all of our schools in this Nation had this discipline and 
that attention on learning.
  According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic 
schools have a graduation rate of over 98 percent, and about 97 percent 
of Catholic high school graduates go on to post-secondary training at 
4-year colleges, community colleges or technical schools. This success 
can also be attributed to the importance Catholic educators place on 
character and morals. By making the development of moral and social 
values an integral part of the curriculum, Catholic schools are 
ensuring that their students are not only good academicians, but also 
good citizens.
  The theme for Catholic Schools Week this year is ``Catholic Schools 
Celebrate Service.'' This theme highlights the mission of Catholic 
schools to provide a faith-based education that supports the whole 
child academically and spiritually and impresses upon them the 
importance of civic engagement. Catholicism has a long and rich 
tradition of direct service to those in need. Catholic schools 
incorporate service projects into the curriculum, teaching students the 
value of helping others as an expression of faith and good citizenship.
  Catholic schools demonstrated an enormous amount of character and 
compassion in their response to the devastating hurricanes that hit the 
gulf coast nearly 4 years ago. In the wake of this national disaster, 
more than 300,000 students were displaced from their homes, schools and 
communities. Catholic schools opened their doors and hearts and 
welcomed these students into their classrooms. They provided these 
children with the opportunity to continue their studies without 
stopping to consider how to cover the cost of that education. Instead, 
the Catholic schools knew their first priority was to educate these 
children and worry about the financing later on.
  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

[[Page 1198]]

by building the academic achievement, character and values of their 
students.
  Again, I commend the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this 
resolution and urge my colleagues to support it.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I'm very pleased today to recognize a 
good friend, the gentleman from the Third District of Illinois, Mr. Dan 
Lipinski, for 6 minutes.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Iowa for yielding.
  Today I rise in support of H. Res. 39, honoring Catholic Schools Week 
and recognizing the outstanding contributions that Catholic schools 
have made to America.
  As a product of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius High 
School and a strong supporter of Catholic education, I am proud to 
sponsor this resolution again this year. And I would like to thank my 
colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for joining me in working on this 
resolution.
  Since 1974, Catholic Schools Week has celebrated the positive impact 
that Catholic schools have had on our country and recognize 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.
  As we heard in President Obama's inauguration address yesterday, 
responsibility is critical to our Nation's success, and responsibility 
requires service to others. Very appropriately, the theme for next 
week's Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools Celebrate Service.'' 
President Obama rightfully sees public service as a way to unify the 
country, to bridge divisions and to teach responsible citizenship.
  This is nothing new to America's Catholic schools. They have always 
taught the intrinsic value of service to others. Nearly 95 percent of 
Catholic schools have a service program, and the average student 
completes approximately 80 hours of public service. My strong desire to 
serve was fostered by my dedicated teachers at Catholic schools. Nearly 
95 percent of Catholic schools have a service program, and the average 
student completes approximately 80 hours of public service.
  Today, almost 2.3 million elementary and secondary students are 
enrolled in nearly 7,500 Catholic schools. These schools have more than 
160,000 full-time professional staff. Through individual attention and 
quality education, 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 school students 
is 99 percent, and 97 percent of Catholic high school graduates go on 
to college or technical schools. These are truly remarkable statistics 
in a country where we read all-too-many reports of deep problems in our 
educational system and worrying declines in our student's international 
competitiveness.
  Catholic schools are known for embracing students from all walks of 
life and are highly effective at providing excellent educational 
opportunities for minority students and disadvantaged youth. Almost one 
in seven students of Catholic schools is not Catholic. And over the 
past 30 years, the percentage of minority students enrolled in Catholic 
schools has more than doubled. And 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 with a commitment to 
service, 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 
and approximately $20 billion nationwide. This savings is crucial to 
American taxpayers, especially during these harsh economic times.
  Unfortunately, the current economic turmoil combined with much longer 
travails of middle class in our country have been hard on Catholic 
schools in some areas. Just like me, my wife Judy attended Catholic 
schools for 12 years. She went to St. Patrick's Grade School and Bishop 
McCort High School in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, less than 
2 weeks ago it was announced that St. Patrick's would be closing. This 
closing is a great loss not just to the students of St. Patrick's, but 
the entire community of Moxham, demonstrating just how important 
Catholic schools are to the greater community.
  I was born and raised and lived in the Chicago Archdiocese, which 
still has one of the most successful school systems in the country. 
More than 98,000 students attend 256 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 foundation that Catholic schools provide to students. 
Catholic education has granted me the knowledge, discipline, desire to 
serve, and a love of learning that 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 
dedicated teachers and administrators who sacrifice so much, in most 
cases working for much less than they could earn elsewhere. Many of my 
formative memories are of teachers who taught me the values of faith 
and service. After 35 years, I can still fondly remember Sister Diane, 
my Student Congress coach when I was in high school, and from Sister 
Mildred in first grade to Sister Xavier in eighth grade at St. 
Symphorosa. Throughout the United States, millions of others have 
similar memories of their dedicated sisters, priests and lay teachers 
who gave their hearts and souls to touch the lives of their students.
  Madam Speaker, American Catholic schools deserve our praise, our 
support and our gratitude. I would like to thank everyone who has 
cosponsored this resolution. And to share our praise and support for 
Catholic schools, I urge my colleagues to pass this resolution.
  Mr. EHLERS. I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of H. Res. 39, which recognizes and honors the exemplary 
contributions of Catholic schools across our Nation. The resolution 
salutes the commitment, professionalism and faith of the teachers and 
administrators as well as the achievements in the classroom and in the 
lives of the students. And we commend today the support of the Catholic 
Church itself in making this educational opportunity possible.
  I would also like to thank Mr. Lipinski for his leadership in 
bringing this resolution to the floor and ask that my colleagues join 
us in supporting its passage.
  Madam Speaker, Catholic education has and continues to make a 
tremendous impact in the lives of students, families and communities 
across America and in my home State of New Jersey. Last year, more than 
2.3 million children were enrolled in over 7,000 Catholic schools 
nationwide. The performance of Catholic schools is impressive. More 
than 99 percent of its students graduate high school, and approximately 
97 percent go on to college. The record clearly shows that students at 
Catholic schools receive a quality education with an integrated focus 
on the transcendent importance of God, academic excellence, advancement 
beyond high school and fundamental morals.
  Next week, January 25 to 31, marks the 36th annual celebration of 
Catholic Schools Week. And this year's theme is to live the Gospel with 
an emphasis on service. Students are encouraged to help others and 
generously give of themselves expecting nothing whatsoever in return. 
In the 25th chapter of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus admonished believers to 
live a life of selfless service to others and specifically asked that 
we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, care 
for the sick and disabled, visit the prisoner and welcome the stranger. 
Identifying with the disenfranchised, the vulnerable and the weakest 
among us, our

[[Page 1199]]

Lord said, and I quote, whatsoever you do to the least of My brethren, 
you do unto Me.
  This year's theme celebrates service, encourages students to embrace 
Matthew 25 and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Many 
of America's poor and at risk will benefit from the students' 
benevolence.
  Catholic schools, Madam Speaker, are indeed an integral part of our 
Nation's fundamental 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 over 25 percent 
of Catholic school enrollment from minority backgrounds and 
approximately 14 percent actually being non-Catholics, it is evident 
that this extraordinary institution meets the needs of a highly diverse 
group of young people.
  Finally, Madam Speaker, a 1972 pastoral message by the National 
Conference of Catholic Bishops concerning Catholic education summed up 
the unique and extraordinary vision of Catholic education. They said in 
pertinent part, and I quote: Education is one of the most important 
ways by which the church fulfills its commitment to the dignity of the 
person and the 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 or her solitary destiny, but 
also the destinies of the many communities in which he or she lives.

                              {time}  1315

  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 educational 
system.
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentleman 
from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) for 3 minutes.
  Mr. STUPAK. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 39, 
honoring Catholic Schools Week. Since the beginning of our Nation's 
history, Catholic schools have played an important role in American 
education. Catholic schools have an excellent reputation for providing 
a strong academic and moral education, as well as teaching social 
responsibility.
  The Catholic schools in my district work hard to create an 
environment where academic excellence and value-driven pride can be 
fostered and embraced.
  My wife Laurie and I and our two sons, Ken and B.J., attended 
Catholic schools in northern Michigan, and realize the benefits of the 
Catholic education system.
  This week, let us pause, reflect and congratulate the administrators, 
faculty, staff, students, and parents as we celebrate the dedicated 
tradition of promoting education through our Catholic faith.
  The long rich history of Catholic education would not be possible 
without the financial commitment of those who make up our local 
parishes and dioceses across our Nation.
  H. Res. 39 acknowledges the hard work and dedication that Catholic 
schools have contributed to building our local communities and our 
Nation.
  I am proud to cosponsor House Resolution 39, and support the many 
Catholic schools in my district and across our Nation. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey).
  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 39, to honor the 
contributions of Catholic schools across the country, and in honor of 
National Catholic Schools Week from January 25 through January 31.
  I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Lipinski from Illinois and Mr. 
Smith from New Jersey, for their leadership in bringing this resolution 
to the House floor today.
  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 2.3 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, Georgia.
  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, discipline 
and respect for authority, 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 about that. While the strenuous academics 
at Sacred Heart and Aquinas did lay the foundation for my success at 
both Georgia Tech and The Medical College of Georgia, it was the faith 
and ethical standards taught at these schools that truly prepared me 
for any of life's struggles.
  Madam 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 at 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 I could properly represent the people of 
northwest Georgia.
  Madam Speaker, our education system is only made stronger by Catholic 
schools in northwest Georgia and throughout the Nation which fully 
prepare their students for a brighter future.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 39.
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx).
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, while in my district in North Carolina we 
are blessed with excellent public schools, many districts across the 
country are not as fortunate. Some places, though, are fortunate to 
have the choice of having charter schools and Catholic schools. It is 
important that citizens continue to have these choices, particularly 
because of the excellent record that Catholic schools have in this 
country.
  Catholic education is a vital linchpin in America's education system. 
Catholic educators, with their emphasis on academic excellence, as well 
as the development of each student's character and spiritual well-being 
play a vital role in cultivating the next generation of leaders in the 
Nation.
  There are two Catholic schools with a strong reputation for education 
excellence in the Fourth Congressional District of North Carolina: 
Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School and St. Leo the Great Catholic 
School.
  Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School was founded in 1959, and has 
been recognized by the Catholic High School Honor Roll as one of the 
top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States. This coed college 
prep high school is located in Kernersville, North Carolina, in the 
heart of the Triad.
  St Leo's is a K-8 Catholic school located in Winston-Salem, North 
Carolina, built in 1953. St. Leo's is the oldest Catholic school in 
Winston-Salem, and has a reputation for educating students who are not 
only academic achievers but also people of sterling character.
  It is an honor to represent these two fine schools in Congress, and I 
look forward to seeing the lives they change in the coming years 
through their emphasis on high quality Catholic education.

[[Page 1200]]

It is a pleasure to join my colleagues here today in congratulating 
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.
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I thank you for your competent and 
professional manner in presiding today, and I yield myself the balance 
of my time in wrapping this discussion up.
  I am very pleased to participate in this discussion today because I 
believe that Catholic schools and religious schools play an extremely 
important part in our American educational system.
  I often deplore the fact that the Catholic schools and other 
religious schools, Christian and otherwise, do not get a fair shake in 
this Nation as compared to many other nations. I know when I lived in 
Europe for a year you could designate on your income tax how much you 
wanted to be delegated to schools of your choice, and they could be 
private schools, public schools, religious schools, what have you. That 
struck me as an eminently fair system. I don't expect we will ever have 
that in this country, but I do regret, given the excellent work that 
the Catholic schools do, and that other Christian and religious schools 
do in educating students who are troubled, that we do not call upon 
these schools more often to help educate more of the children of this 
Nation.
  I recall years ago when I joined some others in helping to raise 
money for scholarships for children who were troubled in their public 
schools, and who had great difficulties with their fellow students, and 
were getting into fights. We raised scholarship money so they could 
attend the Christian schools. Then a remarkable transformation 
occurred. Many of them became far better students and graduated and 
went on to good careers. I am convinced we can multiply this effort 
many times over, and I hope that the people of this country continue to 
contribute to these schools.
  I was sorry to hear Mr. Lipinski say that the school that his wife 
attended is closing. That is a story that we are hearing far too often 
across this land. We are losing something very important when we have 
schools this good, with the superb records that we heard outlined by 
several speakers here, that they are closing while at the same time the 
students who would go there are going to other schools which are not 
serving them as well.
  So I just want to do a little editorializing here because I do think 
that the Catholic schools, and many other schools in this country, do 
so much for our Nation, and yet do not receive the recognition and 
certainly do not receive any financial support from either Federal or 
State governments. I think it is our loss if they close and are no 
longer able to help the students that they do help so well.
  Mr. AKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Catholic 
Schools Week.
  Next week, the Nation's nearly 8,000 Catholic schools will celebrate 
Catholic Schools Week. Catholic schools have made many significant 
contributions to the education of our Nation's children.
  In the Greater St. Louis region, Catholic schools have had a 
longstanding and proud tradition in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The 
percentage of Catholic families who choose Catholic schools for their 
children is among the highest in the country. Currently, there are 
about 51,000 students enrolled in our Catholic elementary and high 
schools.
  Catholic schools foster an atmosphere of mutual respect. Students 
learn to value God, themselves, and others. As Pope Benedict XVI noted 
in his remarks at Catholic University during his Apostolic Visit to the 
U.S. last spring, ``Education is integral to the mission of the Church 
to proclaim the Good News. First and foremost every Catholic 
educational institution is a place to encounter the living God who in 
Jesus Christ reveals his transforming love and truth. This relationship 
elicits a desire to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Christ 
and his teaching. In this way those who meet him are drawn by the very 
power of the Gospel to lead a new life characterized by all that is 
beautiful, good, and true; a life of Christian witness nurtured and 
strengthened within the community of our Lord's disciples, the 
Church.''
  Today I would like to recognize and commend our Catholic educators 
who are committed to a living and vibrant faith community founded on 
the Catholic tradition of academic excellence and thank them for 
enriching the lives of the children they teach spiritually, 
academically and socially.
  I strongly support the goals of Catholic Schools Week 2009 and laud 
their efforts to educate students dedicated to their faith, families, 
and values.
  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for 
H. Res. 39, a resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic 
schools.
  I thank my colleague from Illinois, Representative Lipinski, for 
sponsoring this important resolution.
  Catholic schools are a true treasure--not just in my district in the 
Inland Empire of California--but throughout the United States of 
America.
  Teachers and administrators in America's Catholic schools work 
tirelessly to educate students of all backgrounds, in communities 
across the Nation--including some of our most impoverished 
neighborhoods.
  They do a tremendous job of teaching and imparting critical values, 
while often working under the most difficult school funding 
circumstances.
  In a time when the No Child Left Behind Act has failed too many of 
America's best and brightest--the vast majority of Catholic school 
students not only graduate from high school, but also go on to college.
  I commend the men and women who make America's Catholic schools a 
reality and thank them for the commitment and faith they place in the 
well being of their students.
  I urge my colleagues to honor the positive impact of Catholic schools 
on the children of the United States, and support H. Res. 39.
  Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 39 
to honor the immense influences and contributions that Catholic schools 
have made on their students and their surrounding communities. For 
centuries, Catholic schools have provided families with a strong 
alternative to the public school system, offering a vital faith 
component that enhances a child's overall education sadly unwelcome in 
the halls of our local public schools.
  A Catholic education prepares our Nation's youth to lead lives of 
commitment to the message of Jesus Christ while at the same time 
fostering an environment for academic success. It continuously 
challenges its students to a life-long pursuit of intellectual growth 
both in and outside the classroom while also stressing the need to take 
an active role in the betterment of their neighborhood and community. 
But most importantly, Madam Speaker, Catholic schools instill in their 
student body the precious ideal of setting one's heart upon things 
above, not merely on goods on earth--a much needed lesson in a society 
that is quick to get caught up in the latest gadget and the never-
ending chase for dollars.
  Madam Speaker, I stand today to humbly honor the contributions 
Catholic schools make to the betterment of our society, and pray for 
their continued success.
  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Catholic Schools 
Week and express my support for the vital contributions of America's 
thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools. In my eyes, 
Catholic schools have had a powerful impact on our nation's history.
  Teaching and instilling the values of service to others, faith, and 
the pursuit of justice, Catholic schools have shaped the lives of 
people for generations. Indeed, I myself have been guided by my 
Catholic faith and the idea of serving others.
  Be it a student growing up in New York City or a Mexican immigrant 
growing up on a bordertown, Catholic schools have been actively 
educating our youth since our country's founding. In recent history, 
Catholic schools have been instrumental in the lives of many young 
Latino students whose families seek an education enriched with moral 
values, supported by faith, and combined with the highest of academic 
standards.
  The 16th District of El Paso, Texas is fortunate to have fourteen 
Catholic primary and secondary schools teaching these values to our 
students including Cathedral High School, Loretto Academy, Blessed 
Sacrament, Father Yermo, Holy Trinity, Our Lady of the Assumption, Our 
Lady of the Valley, St. Joseph's, St. Mathew's, St. Patrick's, Saint 
Pius the X, and St. Raphael's.
  Today, I want to thank all of the priests, nuns, brothers, sisters, 
and lay people, who take on the commendable task of teaching our

[[Page 1201]]

children. I also want to thank our Most Reverend Armando X. Ochoa, 
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas for his leadership and 
guidance during these tumultuous times.
  Again Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to honor 
Catholic schools across the country and thank the men and women who 
take part in this great work.
  Mr. SOUDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 39, and 
specifically in support of the work being done at St. Charles Borromeo 
in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  According to the 1972 statement by National Conference of Catholic 
Bishops: ``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.''
  Madam Speaker, since its founding the St. Charles Borromeo school has 
been enriching the lives of individuals across Northeastern Indiana. 
With its emphasis on the traditions and principles of the Catholic 
faith, the school seeks to infuse in its students a sense of obligation 
to their community.
  Elementary and Middle School are the early steps many individuals 
take on their way to academic achievement and lifelong learning. With 
its focus on math, computer training and science, St. Charles Borromeo 
equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a 21st century 
economy. Furthermore, by requiring all seventh and eighth grade 
students to study a foreign language, the school helps prepare students 
for the globalized marketplace.
  As the mission of St. Charles Borromeo states, ``all children deserve 
a safe, loving, and respectful environment where children and faculty 
can grow spiritually and academically.'' Madam Speaker, I second these 
thoughts and am grateful for the contributions the faculty and staff at 
St. Borromeo make in the lives of young people. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in support of this resolution and the efforts of Catholic 
schools across the country.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 39, and especially 
in support of Bishop Luers High School in Fort Wayne, IN.
  Madam Speaker, Catholic schools are an incredible asset to our 
country. Throughout much of our history, Catholic schools have provided 
a solid moral and intellectual education to millions of students, and 
served as a crucial stabilizing force for many immigrants to our great 
Nation. Catholic schools have been able to build communities of 
character in a way unique to much of the rest of our educational 
system, testified to by the untold amounts of service that have been 
performed by their graduates.
  Bishop Luers is no different. In its mission statement, Bishop Luers 
pledges to equip each graduate with the spiritual, academic, and social 
tools they need to serve God and others--that they may be light to the 
world, so that, in the words of Matthew, others ``may see your good 
deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.''
  Madam Speaker, Bishop Luers does this incredibly well. The school has 
many successful graduates, an excellent graduation rate, and impressive 
athletic achievements. In fact, Bishop Luers has been named one of the 
Nation's leading Catholic high schools by the national Catholic High 
School Honor Roll. The men and women of Bishop Luers who each day serve 
students and families deserve our deep gratitude.
  Let me also take a moment briefly to note the incredible work 
Catholic schools have done and continue to do for minorities, often 
non-Catholic, and often for very low cost. Indeed, in many poor 
neighborhoods, the Catholic school is the only good option available to 
parents. In this way, Catholic schools play a crucial role in the 
pursuit of justice by building communities that respect the dignity of 
all people. They deserve our support.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join with me in honoring 
Bishop Luers and other Catholic schools across the country. It is no 
exaggeration to say that such schools are critical to the future of our 
country.
  Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, I want to thank speakers on both sides 
of the aisle for supporting this resolution, it is a wonderful 
resolution, and I urge its passage.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Loebsack) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 39.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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