February 6, 2026
Bipartisan Senate and House Resolutions Honor NCEA National Catholic Schools Week
Senate and House chambers support resolutions espousing the contributions of Catholic education to the country.
Arlington, VA — In support of the National Catholic Educational Association’s (NCEA) National Catholic Schools Week, U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) have reintroduced a bipartisan Senate resolution recognizing National Catholic Schools Week, celebrating the contributions of Catholic education across the United States, and designating January 25–31, 2026, as the official observance. The House of Representatives joined the Senate in celebration with a bipartisan resolution submitted by Mr. LaHood (R-IL) and 16 other representatives to the Committee on Education and Workforce.
NCEA President/CEO Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman remarked, “The sacred mission of Catholic schools is to educate in the light of faith, forming young people in truth, charity, and service. NCEA is deeply grateful to the senators and representatives for these bipartisan resolutions. Rooted in Christ and animated by faith, Catholic school educators answer a profound vocation each day; shaping minds, forming hearts, and accompanying students as they grow in wisdom and grace. These resolutions honor their faithful service to the Church, to their communities, and to the common good.”
National Catholic Schools Week is an annual celebration of Catholic schools and what makes them exceptional, focusing on educators, families, and students who bring the mission to life.
The joint resolutions affirm Catholic schools’ longstanding commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and service to students of all backgrounds, noting that Catholic schools serve approximately 1.7 million students across the United States and highlighting strong graduation and college attendance rates, diverse enrollment, and the role Catholic schools play in strengthening families and communities.
“Catholic schools provide values-centered education to millions of young Americans,” Schmitt said. “As a proud product of Missouri’s Catholic school system, I am honored to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of our nation’s Catholic schools.”
Kaine emphasized the formative influence of Catholic education in his own life. “Catholic schools instill important values, offer rigorous academics, and nurture social and spiritual growth,” he said. “I am proud to support this resolution celebrating the incredible opportunities Catholic schools provide students across the country.”
View the entire Senate resolution and the House resolution to read the full text.
For more information, visit www.NCEA.org/CSW and connect with NCEA on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
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In service of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, NCEA strengthens Catholic school communities by convening all stakeholders and providing professional development, data, public policy and resources to support faith and intellectual formation.