Two diocesan schools earn mention on National Catholic High School Honor Roll

GRAND RAPIDS - The National Catholic High School Honor Roll has announced its fifth selection of the best 50 Catholic secondary schools in the United States. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education. It is a critical resource for parents and educators that distinguishes those schools that excel in three categories: academic excellence, Catholic Identity, and civic education.

Both Nouvel Catholic Central High School in Saginaw and All Saints Central High School in Bay City earned honorable mention in the area of civic education. Nouvel made the list of the Nation's Top 50 Catholic High Schools in 2007.

To see a list of the top 50 schools for 2008, as well as lists of the 10 honorable mention schools in each category, visit www.chshonor.org.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. It is produced in consultation with an advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and scholars. Advisory board member Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, President of Catholic University of America, said the Honor Roll's evaluation method is indispensable. "Catholic schools must examine themselves on a regular basis using a well-rounded approach that assesses adherence to the Church's educational calling," he said. "The Honor Roll strengthens schools by encouraging high standards and vibrant Catholicism."

In its five years, the Honor Roll has seen more than 50 percent of America's nearly 1,300 Catholic high schools participate at least once. This year nearly 300 schools completed the three detailed surveys that measure a school's adherence to the Church's educational mission. Each school also receives an evaluation to see how it compares to other schools nationwide.

The best schools demonstrate a balanced excellence, which includes an active Catholic culture, sound college preparation and integration of Church teaching in all departments. These schools also display sound moral, catechetical and civic formation that prepares students for vocations in the world as political, religious, scientific, and business leaders.

About The National Catholic High School Honor Roll

The National Catholic High School Honor Roll is a list of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States, where schools are examined on the criteria of academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education, and is a resource for parents, schools, donors, and colleges.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. The Honor Roll was produced in consultation with a national advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and Catholic scholars. For more on Acton, please go to www.action.org.

Bishop Carlson: 'Our witness must grow stronger'

SAGINAW – Bishop Robert J. Carlson today released the following statement upon the historic election of Barack Obama and the passage of Proposal 2 in Michigan:

“First, I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on his historic achievement. I urge all Americans of good will to pray for our next president and others who govern our great nation so they may lead with wisdom and courage in diffi cult times. Today we should make a commitment to pray for our civic leaders every day.”

“Sadly, however, this moment in American history also comes with many setbacks in the continuing struggle to protect the rights and dignity of all people, especially the unborn.”

“Here in Michigan, voters chose to pass Proposal 2, a direct attack on human life. The fact that other states failed to pass initiatives that would have led to the greater defense of the right to life shows the great task that still lies ahead of us as people of faith.”

“The culture has chosen to reject the matters that are nearest and dearest to the Catholic heart. Therefore, our witness must grow stronger.”

“This election has shown that any child who is born in America has the opportunity to ascend to the highest political offi ce in the land. We must continue to work and pray tirelessly for the day when every child who is conceived will have the right to live.”

“May God continue to bless the United States of America.”