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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 17 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>

118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 17

 Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            January 26, 2023

     Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Casey) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States.

Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are internationally acclaimed for 
        their academic excellence and provide approximately 1,700,000 students 
        with more than an exceptional scholastic education;
Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added education emphasizing the 
        lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values 
        in young people in the United States;
Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by providing a diverse student 
        population from all regions of the United States and all socioeconomic 
        backgrounds with a strong academic and moral foundation, including 21.5 
        percent of students from racial minority backgrounds, 18.6 percent from 
        Hispanic heritage, and 20.3 percent from non-Catholic families;
Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in 
        underserved urban areas;
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 Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates 
        who hold ``helping others'' among their core values;
Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 2022-2023 academic 
        year is 1,700,000, and the student-teacher ratio is 11 to 1;
Whereas the Catholic high school graduation rate is 98.9 percent, with 85.2 
        percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges;
Whereas the week of January 29, 2023, to February 4, 2023, has been designated 
        as ``National Catholic Schools Week'' by the National Catholic 
        Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic 
        Bishops;
Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first established in 1974 and has 
        been celebrated annually for the past 49 years; and
Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 is ``Catholic Schools: 
        Faith. Excellence. Service.'' which reflects the purpose of Catholic 
        schools to form students to be good citizens of the world, love God and 
        neighbor, and enrich society with the leaven of the gospel and by 
        example of faith: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, 
        an event--
                    (A) cosponsored by the National Catholic 
                Educational Association and the United States 
                Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
                    (B) established to recognize the vital 
                contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary 
                and secondary schools in the United States;
            (2) applauds the National Catholic Educational Association 
        and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their 
        selection of a theme that all can celebrate; and
            (3) supports--
                    (A) the dedication of Catholic schools, students, 
                parents, and teachers across the United States toward 
                academic excellence; and
                    (B) the key role they play in promoting and 
                ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United 
                States.
                                 <all>
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