MICHIGAN SENATE
Senate Resolution No. 3
Offered by Senators Bellino, Webber, Damoose, Albert, McDonald Rivet,
Daley, Wojno, McMorrow, Outman, Theis and Lauwers
A RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4,
2023, AS CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK
WHEREAS, There are 49,269 students attending 212 Catholic elementary and high schools throughout our great
state; and
WHEREAS, The Constitution of Michigan states that, “Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to good
government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged”; and
WHEREAS, Catholic school parents pay tuition in addition to supporting their local public schools through their
taxes; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools comply with the same health, safety, and general welfare regulations required of public
schools; and
WHEREAS, Taking into account Michigan’s minimum public school foundation allowance of $9,150 per pupil,
Catholic schools will save taxpayers more than $450 million in state spending during the current school year; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools instill a broad, values-based education, emphasizing the lifelong development of moral,
intellectual, and social values in young people, making them responsible citizens of both our state and nation; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools educate many students who are non-Catholic, many students who are economically
disadvantaged, and exemplifies that a good education remains the single best way out of poverty; and
WHEREAS, With their traditionally high academic standards, high graduation rates, and commitment to community
service, Catholic schools and their graduates make a positive contribution to society; and
WHEREAS, January 29-February 4, 2023, has been designated as Catholic Schools Week with the theme, “Catholic
Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service.” as denoted by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops; and
WHEREAS, The common good of the state of Michigan is strengthened through the continued existence of Catholic
schools; and
WHEREAS, Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates who hold “helping others”
among their core values; and
WHEREAS, A supportive partnership is created within Catholic schools for each student’s family, while also
encouraging parental involvement in the education of their children, so that Catholic students form productive lives
which benefit future generations; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the members of this legislative body recognize January 29-February 4, 2023,
as Catholic Schools Week. We support the continued dedication of Catholic schools across Michigan toward academic
excellence and the key role that Catholic schools play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for
students; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Catholic Conference with our highest
esteem.
Adopted by the Senate, January 26, 2023.
Secretary of the Senate