As a proud graduate of St. Symphorosa Grammar School and St. Ignatius College Prep, and as 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 would like to thank the 28 members who joined me in cosponsoring this bipartisan resolution. 

 

Since 1974, the National Catholic Educational 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 and parishes. My own decision to pursue a career in public service was fostered in part by dedicated teachers throughout my formative years at Catholic schools.

 

Today, over 2 million elementary and secondary students are enrolled in nearly 7,000 Catholic schools. And these students typically surpass their peers in math, science, reading, history, and geography in NAEP tests. The graduation rate for Catholic high school students is 99%, and 85% of graduates enroll in a 4-year college – rates well above the national average. As we continually hear disturbing reports about 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 9 out of every 10 students who apply, and are highly effective in providing a quality education to students from every socio-economic category, especially disadvantaged youths 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. 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 256 schools. In the Joliet Diocese, 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 of 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 Educational 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 more elsewhere - are instrumental to upholding these standards. In recognizing Catholic Schools Week, we pay a special tribute to these professionals who sacrifice so much.

 

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. 

 

M. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me today in recognizing the outstanding education Catholic schools provide to Americans across the country."