Press Release
Smith Introduces Legislation Honoring and Supporting Catholic Schools
This week, U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) joined with Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) in introducing House Resolution 592, to raise awareness of and express support for the contributions of Catholic schools, both in New Jersey and nationally.
The bipartisan legislation also expresses support for the upcoming 2016 National Catholic Schools Week; 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 praises the efforts of the millions of parents, students, teachers, and administrators involved in making Catholic schools a continued success.
“Catholic schools play a critical and complementary role in America’s education system—ensuring children receive a quality education in a faith-based setting,” said Smith, a graduate of New Jersey Catholic grammar and high schools. “Through this resolution we hope to highlight and further encourage the efforts that make Catholic schools places that successfully promote academic advancement and prepare students for responsible citizenship.”
National Catholic Schools Week is a tradition, first established in 1974, and celebrated annually ever since. This year, the week of January 31 to February 6, 2016, has been designated as National Catholic Schools Week. This year’s theme is “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service.”
Catholic schools are recognized for academic excellence and provide students with a platform for success. The average graduation rate for Catholic secondary schools is 99 percent, with 87 percent of graduates attending four-year colleges.
The resolution states in part: “Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates who hold ‘helping others’ as one of their core values.”
“In the 25th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus urged believers to live a life of selfless service to others and specifically asks that we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, care for the sick and disabled, visit the prisoner and welcome the stranger,” Smith said. “It is in this spirit that Catholic schools instruct students and impart a commitment to serving those in need in our communities.
“Parents and students know when selecting a Catholic school that they are enrolling in an institution which invests in the academic and spiritual development, as well as the character of the individual,” he said.
Read the text of the legislation here.
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