[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 657 Engrossed in House (EH)]
H. Res. 657
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
February 8, 2006.
Whereas America's Catholic schools are internationally acclaimed for their
academic excellence, but provide students more than a superior
scholastic education;
Whereas Catholic schools ensure a broad, values-added education emphasizing the
lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values
in America's young people;
Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2005-2006 academic
year is about 2.5 million and the student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1;
Whereas Catholic schools teach a diverse group of students;
Whereas more than 27 percent of school children enrolled in Catholic schools are
from minority backgrounds, and nearly 14 percent are non-Catholics;
Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith,
values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually
stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral
development;
Whereas in the 1972 pastoral message concerning Catholic education, 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. Community is central to
education ministry, both as a necessary condition and an ardently
desired goal. The educational efforts of the Church, therefore, must be
directed to forming persons-in-community; for the 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.''; and
Whereas January 29 to February 4, 2006, has been designated as Catholic Schools
Week by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals of Catholic Schools Week, an event co-
sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to
recognize the vital contributions of America's thousands of Catholic
elementary and secondary schools; and
(2) congratulates Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers
across the Nation for their ongoing contributions to education, and for
the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger
future for this Nation.
Attest:
Clerk.