III 

117TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 33 

Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

FEBRUARY 4, 2021 

Mr. TOOMEY (for himself and Mr. CASEY) submitted the following resolution; 

which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 

Pensions 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools. 

Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and 

provide students with more than just 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 country and all socioeconomic backgrounds, a strong 

academic and moral foundation, and of that student population— 


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•SRES 33 IS 

(1) 22 percent of students are from racial minority 

backgrounds; 

(2) 18.1 percent of students are of Hispanic heritage; and 

(3) 24.5 percent of students are from non-Catholic 

families; 

Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in underserved urban areas; 

Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are 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’’ as a 

core value; 

Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 

2020–2021 academic year was almost 1,650,000, and the 

student-teacher ratio was 12 to 1; 

Whereas the graduation rate of students from Catholic high 

schools is 99 percent, with 86 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges; 

Whereas, in the 2005 pastoral message entitled ‘‘Renewing 

Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary and Secondary 

Schools in the Third Millennium’’, the United States 

Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ‘‘Catholic schools 

are often the Church’s most effective contribution to 

those families who are poor and disadvantaged, especially 

in poor inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. Catholic schools cultivate healthy interaction among the increasingly diverse populations of our society. . . . Our 

Catholic schools have produced countless numbers of 


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•SRES 33 IS 

well-educated and moral citizens who are leaders in our 

civic and ecclesial communities.’’; 

Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first established in 1974 and has been celebrated annually for the 

past 46 years; 

Whereas 30 percent of Catholic schools have waiting lists for 

admission, and new schools are opening across the 

United States; and 

Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2021 

of ‘‘Catholic Schools: Learn. Faith. Excellence. Service.’’ 

reflects Catholic schools’ purpose 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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) supports the goals of National Catholic 

3 Schools Week, an event— 

4 (A) cosponsored by the National Catholic 

5 Educational Association and the United States 

6 Conference of Catholic Bishops; and 

7 (B) established to recognize the vital con8 tributions of the thousands of Catholic elemen9 tary and secondary schools in the United 

10 States; 

11 (2) applauds the National Catholic Educational 

12 Association and the United States Conference of 

13 Catholic Bishops on the selection of a theme that all 

14 people can celebrate; and 


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•SRES 33 IS 

1 (3) supports— 

2 (A) the dedication of Catholic schools, stu3 dents, parents, and teachers across the United 

4 States to academic excellence; and 

5 (B) the key role that Catholic schools, stu6 dents, parents, and teachers across the United 

7 States play in promoting and ensuring a bright8 er, stronger future for the United States. 

Æ 


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