South Cook News

Issued the following announcement on Jan. 27.

Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) has introduced a resolution celebrating Catholic Schools Week and recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Catholic schools in the Third Congressional District and across the United States. The annual Catholic Schools Week celebrates students, teachers, parents, and communities that allow Catholic schools to thrive. According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), there are currently 1,789,363 students enrolled in 6,289 Catholic Schools across the country, including nearly 260 schools spread across the Archdioceses of Chicago and Joliet. 

For each of the last 14 years, Congressman Lipinski has recognized Catholic Schools Week by introducing a resolution extolling the accomplishments of America’s Catholic schools. Congressman Lipinski’s 2020 resolution highlights the diversity of students at Catholic schools in the United States, including students from non-Catholic families who account for 19% of Catholic school enrollment. The resolution further recognizes Catholic schools for their low student-to-teacher ratios and high graduation rates. NCEA states that 86% of Catholic school graduates go on to attend 4-year colleges. 

“Catholic Schools Week is something I look forward to every year. I love the opportunity to meet with students and educators at the Catholic schools around the district,” said Congressman Lipinski. “My own Catholic school education gave me the tools I needed to succeed and inspired me to become an educator and eventually a member of Congress. I am proud to be able to acknowledge the many successes of Catholic schools. As a former educator, I have tremendous respect for the men and women who work each day to inspire a love of learning in the next generation of Americans.”

As part of the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Congressman Lipinski will visit the following Catholic schools in the district: St. Christina Catholic School in Mount Greenwood; St. Albert the Great School in Burbank; SS. Cyril & Methodius School in Lemont; St. Richard School in Chicago; and St. Daniel the Prophet School in Chicago.