Bob Schaffer: “Mr. Speaker, in closing, I too would like to thank those who have spoken today on this important topic in reaching out…”

“Mr. Speaker, in closing, I too would like to thank those who have spoken today on this important topic in reaching out to congratulate those involved in Catholic schools. The students, the administrators the teachers, all those who make Catholic education possible in the United States. As a product of Catholic schools, I have learned myself that it is virtually impossible to disconnect the academic construction from the spiritual basis that all children in America need in order to advance and grow spiritually and personally. A great many parents throughout the country, even with the government-owned system that most children are educated in today, manage to instill in their children a strong spiritual basis as their children grow. But for many children, that is just an opportunity that is lost or missed. The Catholic schools throughout the country provide a remarkable example and a remarkable model of academic institutions that result in thriving, growing, well-educated young men and women throughout the United States of America. And it is fitting for this body to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of Catholic schools today.”