[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1365]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


         COMMEMORATING THE 2017 NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

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                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 2017

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I recognize Catholic schools and 
parishes in our nation as we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. 
As we approach this celebration, I am excited to announce that this 
year's theme is ``Catholic School: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and 
Service,'' which resonates with my District that is home to twenty-
eight Catholic schools. Parochial education strives to instill faith, 
community involvement, and commitment in the classroom to shape each 
generation of students into well-educated, compassionate members of our 
communities. For forty-three years, Catholic schools have taken part in 
this tradition, which provides a time to reflect on and commemorate 
their contributions to education.
  There are over two million students enrolled in the 6,525 Catholic 
schools across the United States that serve urban, suburban, rural, and 
inner-city communities. This past year, 37 Catholic schools were 
designated the Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education, 
exceeding academic standards, closing achievement gaps, and 
establishing progressive teaching methods. In addition to this 
prestigious award, Catholic schools exceed graduation rates throughout 
the country and extensively focus on college preparatory classes with 
85.7 percent of their students attending a four-year college after 
graduation.
  As a proud graduate of St. Anne Grade School in East Moline, Illinois 
and Spalding Catholic High School in Peoria, Illinois, I am honored to 
co-sponsor legislation supporting National Catholic Schools Week. The 
religious values and foundation of faith instilled through Catholic 
schools has strengthened my relationship with God and informed my daily 
life with lessons of faith. I am also thankful that our three sons have 
the opportunity to attend Catholic schools and become immersed in the 
Catholic faith, quality education, and community service that they 
provide.
  This week is a time to reflect on and celebrate all the contributions 
of the National Catholic Education Association and the impact their 
schools provide to our communities. I look forward to continuing to 
support Catholic schools and carrying out God's mission of faith, 
service, and knowledge. During National Catholic Schools Week, I extend 
my sincere blessings to the Catholic schools across the nation and I am 
honored to promote their successes.



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