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Cao Honors Catholic Schools
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January 19, 2010
Today, Congressman Cao spoke in support of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools in providing excellent academic opportunities for the youth. The bill passed this afternoon by voice vote.
TRANSCRIPT Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1008 to honor the contributions of Catholic schools in providing excellent academic opportunities for our youth. Catholic schools throughout the United States provide an exceptional education for our children. They produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral development. Statistics confirm of the success of Catholic Primary and Secondary schools. 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. 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. They continue by saying “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.” Having spent six years studying to become a Jesuit priest, and having served as professor in a Jesuit institution, I have a deep appreciation for the importance of education guided by principles embodied by the Catholic Church. Education has always been a priority for me as a student, professor, and now as a Member of Congress representing a district still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. My mission in Congress is to ensure children in the Second District of Louisiana get the education they need. It is unacceptable that almost half the students displaced by Hurricane Katrina were unable to complete their education. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Representative from Illinois for bringing this important resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools throughout the United States. I strongly support this resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic Schools and Catholic Schools Week and would urge my colleagues to do the same. And in the words of my Jesuit brothers: “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam” Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time. |
