For Immediate Release
Contact: Betsy Hart

January 25th , 2007
202-225-3915

202-731-5213

Washington, DC- On Tuesday, following the unanimous passage of a
resolution honoring the contributions of Catholic schools, Congressman
Joe Donnelly entered the following statement into the Congressional Record.

"Commending the Contributions of America's Catholic Schools"

"Madam Speaker, today I am proud to join my colleagues in the House of
Representatives in unanimously passing" "H. RES. 51 honoring the
contributions of America's Catholic Schools."

"As a product of Catholic schools, I know first-hand the value of a
Catholic education. Through grade school, high school, college, and law
school, my Catholic schooling not only prepared me for academic success,
but also taught me to serve my community by sharing my Catholic
values. Thus, it is no surprise that a Catholic education also played
a critical role in the intellectual and spiritual growth of my own
children as well. "

"Today, America's Catholic schools are widely recognized among the best
academic institutions in the country. From pre-schools to graduate
schools, Catholic intuitions prepare nearly 2.4 million young men and
women for meaningful lives rooted in spirituality, respect for others,
and a sense of social responsibility. "

"It gives me great confidence to know that America's Catholic schools
are preparing a new generation equipped with the knowledge and values to
serve our communities and to meet the many challenges present in our
world. On behalf of myself and my family, I want to commend the
thousands of dedicated servants that make Catholic education a
foundation for a better today and tomorrow."