Catholic Scouting Updates

The Summer Edition of the Bridge Newsletter, the official newsletter of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is here! This edition features news highlights from BSA's National Annual Meeting, including important insights and developments. Father Gerard Gentleman provides a thought-provoking article, offering valuable perspectives on faith and community. The 2024 recipients of the NCCS Scholarships and the 2023 Quality Catholic Committee Award are also recognized in this edition of the newsletter. Click the button below to view the newsletter!

Scouts engaged in the Eucharistic Pilgrimage or Eucharistic Revival Activity are invited to enter the Catholic Scouting Eucharistic Revival Photo Contest! Prices include: 1st Place: $500 BSA Scout Shop e-gift card, 2nd Place: $250 BSA Scout Shop e-gift card, 3rd Place: $100 BSA Scout Shop e-gift card. Here’s how to enter the contest:

1. Submit action-oriented photos of Scouts in Eucharistic Revival-related activities noted above.

2. Make sure all the Scouts in the photo have a completed photo release form on file.

3. Share your photos on Facebook and/or Instagram and use the hashtag #CatholicScouting AND tag Catholic Scouting (facebook.com/CatholicScoutingBSA/ or instagram.com/catholicscoutingbsa/).

This is your big chance to support the St. George Trek: a vocation retreat at 12,000 feet—and wear some really fancy footwear all at the same time! Here are the details:

• Adult Socks created by Sock Religious- one size fits:
• Men's shoe sizes 5-11
• Women's shoe sizes 7-12
• 35% cotton, 35% polyester, 28% nylon, 2% spandex

All proceeds from the sale of these socks go to fund scholarships for St. George Trek participants. Step into adventure with St. George socks: your trusted companion on every Scouting journey!

On May 7, the Boy Scouts of America announced that it will rebrand and become Scouting America. The rebrand reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to welcome every youth and family in America to experience the benefits of Scouting. The change will go into effect on February 8, 2025, the organization’s 115th anniversary. The Diocese of Rochester's Catholic Scouting site at Catholic Scouting | Evangelization and Catechesis (dor.org) has undergone some updates so that images/language will be in line with the rebranding.

As you may know, the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis has hosted an annual diocesan Catholic Scouting recognition ceremony in the past. More recently, the Office has shifted from recognizing scouts at a diocesan ceremony to awarding the emblem at the end of a weekend Mass at the scout’s parish. Families have really appreciated the personal attention and it is a wonderful way to educate the greater parish community about Catholic Scouting. Below are the names of scouts who have earned emblems and been recognized over the last several months. Congratulations!

An Ad Altare Dei course is being organized to start in fall 2024! This is for all youth in BSA (including troops, venturing and sea scouts). Ideally, this is for youth ages 13-14, but any youth ages 11-17 who have completed 6th grade can work on this Religious Emblem. If youth are interested in attending or you are an adult who would like to help, please contact Colleen Trevisani here or at 585-672-5568.

Camp Stella Maris

A weekend for high school youth (grades 9-12) to learn how to be leaders in their faith. Youth LEAD will share practical skills and a clear vision of leadership that will allow youth to follow the call of our Church to be the Body of Christ in the world. More information will be shared in the coming months.

In support of the National Eucharistic Revival, the National Catholic Committee on Scouting has initiated a Eucharistic Revival Award. The goal of this award is to find a way for all Catholics, young and old, to revive their faith and love of Jesus through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. This award has a main central patch and an opportunity to earn eight auxiliary patches, five of which can be worn surrounding the central patch. Hopefully, while earning the main patch and auxiliary patches, everyone will grow in knowledge of the Eucharist and, more importantly, grow in a desire to have a personal experience of Jesus in the Eucharist.

To earn the central patch and any of the auxiliary patches, there is only one requirement for each. For the main patch, the requirement is: Attend Sunday Mass and receive the Eucharist (if made First Communion and have no moral impediment) for 12 weeks, preferably consecutively. For more information, read the letter below.

For all girl scout troops affiliated with a parish or school in the Diocese of Rochester. A Troop Affiliation Agreement must be completed. For a copy of the agreement, click the files below. For more information contact Mark Capellazzi at Mark.Capellazzi@dor.org.

As the warmth of summer envelops us, bringing longer days and vibrant colors, we are reminded of the blessings that abound in this season of growth and exploration. May these sunlit days offer you and your scouts countless opportunities to deepen your faith through nature’s wonders and the camaraderie of scouting. Let us embrace this time with hearts open to the lessons of patience, perseverance, and compassion, reflecting the values of our Catholic faith in every adventure and discovery. Wishing you a summer filled with joy, blessings, and cherished memories. The Office of Evangelization & Catechesis and the National Eucharistic Revival continues to provide helpful resources for bringing faith into scouting. I encourage you to check out the resources available below. Please know I am always here to assist you in your work!

Mark R. Capellazzi

Project Coordinator for Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Diocesan Liaison for Catholic Scouting

Email: Mark.Capellazzi@dor.org

Phone: (585) 328-3210

The Rochester Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (RDCCS) is a diocesan committee affiliated with the Diocese of Rochester’s Office of Evangelization & Catechesis. The RDCCS consists of adults registered with the Girl Scout and Scouting America programs. RDCCS members represent the five Scouting America Councils and two Girl Scout Councils within our Diocese. We hope that we can help you find the information and resources that will make your efforts fruitful.