[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 709]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize and 
honor the valuable contributions of Catholic schools in educating our 
youth throughout our great Nation. From January 27 to February 2, we 
will celebrate Catholic Schools Week to bring attention to the 
exceptional work and contributions to society that Catholic education 
programs across the country provide.
  These schools provide a comprehensive education that emphasizes 
moral, intellectual, and physical development in our youth and that 
fosters responsible individuals who positively contribute to our 
communities while leading lives grounded in the Catholic tradition. 
This year's theme, ``Catholic Schools Raise the Standards,'' 
demonstrates the high standard to which the Catholic schools of our 
Nation hold themselves and their unwavering commitment to promoting 
academic excellence and Catholic identity.
  Catholic schools in Louisiana have continued to support this 
tradition of academic excellence and physical and spiritual well-being, 
while allowing families to be involved and supportive in the 
educational process. Today, more than 2 million students attend 
Catholic schools around the country. More than 99 percent of attending 
students graduate, with more than 85 percent pursuing college degrees 
at 4-year institutions.
  I am in strong agreement with the U.S. Conference of Catholic 
Bishops, which stated:

       Education remains critically important in the formation of 
     the human person by teaching how to live well now so as to be 
     able to live with God for all eternity . . . Our schools 
     serve both the faith community and society by educating 
     children, young people and adults to contribute to the common 
     good by becoming active and caring members of the 
     communities, cities, and nation in which they live.

  As a Catholic school alumnus, I know that Catholic school educators 
and administrators deserve recognition for their steadfast commitment 
not only to educating minds, but also to shaping hearts and cultivating 
the virtues that make our country and local communities stronger. In 
that respect, I am hopeful that the Senate will again pass my 
bipartisan resolution recognizing the valuable contributions of 
Catholic schools in the United States.
  This week, we recognize the students, their families, teachers, 
administrators, all of our parish leaders, and our communities for 
their efforts to support our Catholic schools and continued achievement 
toward the education of our young people.

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