[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[House]
[Page 934]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Catholic 
Schools Week and to recognize the outstanding contribution that 
Catholic schools have made to our Nation. Catholic Schools Week was 
celebrated last week in schools all across the country.
  As a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius 
College Prep, and a strong supporter of Catholic education, I, once 
again this year, introduced a resolution honoring Catholic schools. H. 
Res. 46 expresses support for ``the vital contributions of the 
thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United 
States'' and ``the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a 
brighter, stronger future for the Nation.'' I'd like to thank the 28 
Members who cosponsored this bipartisan resolution with me.
  Since 1974, the National Catholic Education Association and the 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have organized and planned 
National Catholic Schools Week. This year's theme, ``Catholic Schools 
Raise the Standards,'' highlights recent initiatives undertaken by 
Catholic schools across the country to strengthen their already 
exemplary standards.
  America's Catholic schools produce graduates with the skills and 
integrity needed by our businesses, governments, and communities, 
emphasizing a well-rounded educational experience and instilling the 
values of ``giving back to the community'' and ``helping others.'' 
Nearly every Catholic school has a community service program, and every 
year their students volunteer half a million hours to their 
communities. My own decision to pursue a career in public service was 
fostered, in part, by dedicated teachers throughout my formative years 
in Catholic schools.

                              {time}  1020

  Today over 2 million elementary and secondary students are enrolled 
in nearly 7,000 Catholic schools. These students typically surpass 
their peers in math, science, reading, history, and geography in any 
NAEP test. The graduation rate for Catholic high school students is 99 
percent, and 85 percent of graduates enrolled in four-year colleges, 
rates well above the national average. As we continually hear 
disturbing reports of our national test scores, these statistics are 
truly remarkable and should be commended.
  Notably, the success of Catholic schools does not depend on 
selectivity. Catholic schools accept nine out of every 10 students who 
apply and are highly effective in providing a quality education to 
students from every socioeconomic category, especially disadvantaged 
youth in underserved urban communities. Over the past 30 years, the 
percentage of minority students enrolled in Catholic schools has more 
than doubled, and today they constitute almost one-third of all 
Catholic school students. In times of economic hardship, Catholic 
schools provide an affordable alternative to other forms of private 
education.
  Now, in addition to producing well-rounded students, it is estimated 
that Catholic schools save taxpayers over $18 billion annually. The 
importance of these savings is undeniable as we in Congress, and 
lawmakers across the country, struggle with budget deficits.
  I was born and raised in the Chicago Archdiocese, where more than 
87,000 students attend 250 schools. In the Joliet Diocese close by, 
22,000 students are educated in 48 elementary and 7 high schools. In my 
district alone, there are nearly a dozen Catholic high schools and more 
than 50 grammar schools, including one of the best in my home parish, 
St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, which last year was named a 
National Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education.
  The focus of this year's Catholic Schools Week, ``Catholic Schools 
Raise the Standards,'' demonstrates a continued commitment to 
excellence. The National Catholic Education Association has launched an 
initiative called the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective 
Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools which will make sure that 
standards are consistently high across the country. The dedicated 
teachers and administrators who work at Catholic schools, many of whom 
could earn much more elsewhere, are instrumental in upholding these 
standards. In recognizing Catholic Schools Week, we pay a special 
tribute to these professionals who sacrifice so much for their 
students.
  During Catholic Schools Week last week, I visited several schools in 
my district, including St. Dennis in Lockport, St. Cajetan in Chicago, 
and St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick in Lemont. At each of these schools, I 
was able to visit with students and witness the excellent Catholic 
education that was being instilled by teachers, administrators, 
pastors, and volunteer parents. The dedication of all those involved in 
educating these children demonstrated why Catholic schools are so 
successful not only in my district but across our Nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me today in honoring 
Catholic schools and all they contribute to our Nation.

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