Honor Catholic Schools Week

2020; and WHEREAS, Sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States; and WHEREAS, During the Summer 2019 general meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference, bishops welcomed the theme for Catholic Schools Week 2020 "Catholic Schools: Living in Harmony with God's Creations"; and WHEREAS, The annual observance takes place at the end of January each year, and schools typically celebrate with Masses, open houses, and other activities for students, families, parishioners, and the community at large; and WHEREAS, For more than 200 years, Catholic schools have been integral to New York State's diverse and dynamic education system; and WHEREAS, Catholic schools have been chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and are an important part of The University of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, The New York State Council of Catholic School Superintendents oversees approximately 500 Catholic schools, providing strong academic programs which integrate the moral, spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of children; and WHEREAS, Catholic schools have educated millions of New Yorkers and have provided the State with great leaders, public servants, responsible and productive citizens, and good neighbors; and WHEREAS, The outstanding achievements of Catholic schools are a considerable source of pride for nearly 20,000 Catholic school administrators, teachers and staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate Catholic Schools Week, January 26-February 1, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the New York State Council of Catholic School Superintendents; and