[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 590-591]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) is recognized for 5 minutes.

[[Page 591]]


  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, as a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa 
Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep, and as a strong supporter 
of Catholic education, I am again introducing a resolution to honor 
Catholic Schools Week and highlight the contributions to our Nation 
made by America's Catholic schools. Unfortunately, changes in House 
rules would like to prohibit this resolution from being brought to the 
floor, so I'm going to speak about it tonight.
  Since 1974, the National Catholic Education Association and the 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have provided exemplary 
leadership in conceptualizing and organizing Catholic Schools Week. 
This year, it is celebrated from January 30 through February 5. The 
theme this year is ``Catholic Schools--A Plus for America,'' which 
celebrates the fact that Catholic schools are an added value, a plus 
for our Nation.
  By always emphasizing the necessity of a well-rounded educational 
experience and instilling the values of giving back to the community 
and helping others, America's Catholic schools produce graduates that 
have the skills and strength of character needed by our businesses, 
governments, and communities. Nearly 95 percent of Catholic schools 
have a service program, and in 2009 their students contributed about 
half a million hours of service to their communities and parishes. My 
own desire to serve was fostered by dedicated teachers throughout my 
formative years at Catholic schools.
  Today, over 2.1 million elementary and secondary students are 
enrolled in over 7,000 Catholic schools. 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, with 97 percent going on 
to college or technical school. As we continually hear disturbing 
reports about our national test scores, these statistics are truly 
remarkable and should be commended.
  Catholic schools are also known for embracing students from all walks 
of life and are highly effective in providing educational opportunities 
for minority students and disadvantaged youth. Almost 15 percent of 
students at Catholic schools are not Catholic. 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, as they accept nine out of 
every 10 students who apply.
  Now in addition to producing well-educated students, Catholic schools 
save American taxpayers billions of dollars every year by lowering the 
number of students in already overburdened public schools. In fact, it 
is estimated that taxpayers in the Chicago area alone save over $1 
billion because of Catholic schools and approximately $20 billion 
nationwide. The importance of these savings is undeniable to American 
taxpayers, especially now, while many State and local governments are 
struggling with budget gaps.
  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 93,000 students attend 258 schools. In my district alone, 
there are seven Catholic high schools and about 50 grammar schools, 
including one of the best in my home parish of St. John of the Cross in 
Western Springs.
  My own Catholic education in Chicago gave me the knowledge, 
discipline, desire to serve and love of learning that enabled me to 
earn 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 many cases working for less than they could earn elsewhere. Many of 
my favorite memories are of teachers, including many nuns who taught me 
the value of faith and service. 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.
  Mr. Speaker, next week I look forward to attending Catholic Schools 
Week events in my district to deliver the praise, support and gratitude 
that they deserve. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

                          ____________________