‘What You Offer is What the World Needs:’ Diocese Honors Adult Scout Leaders at Recognition Banquet
In a biennial program hosted by the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the diocese honored adult leaders in Catholic Scouting with a banquet and awards ceremony on June 16.
In a keynote address, Father James Lease, who earned the rank of Eagle in 1990 and served and volunteered with various boards and councils, said, “Scouting gives youth the tools they need to be good citizens and move civilization forward.”
“Adults are guiding stars of being active in society and promoting the common good, of getting out of our Catholic silo and helping out in society,” he said.
Pointing to Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gadium, in which the late Holy Father calls us to be a Church that goes forth to proclaim the joy of the Gospel, Father Lease remarked, “If anyone goes forth, it’s the Scouts.”
Pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg and Ecumenical Officer for the Diocese of Harrisburg, Father Lease said, “What you do as Scouting leaders is crucially important to the Church and to society. You teach them duty to God, others, country, and self. What you offer is what the world actually needs…. Spending your time in Scouting is how you make better people for a better future,” he said.
Awards Ceremony
During the dinner, six adult Scout leaders were recognized for their service, leadership and dedication with various diocesan, regional and national awards for Girl Scouts and Scouting America.
The highest national award in Girl Scouting, the Thanks II Badge, was presented to Carolyn Pfeifer, a current Girl Scout liaison who has given years of service to the organization. The badge is awarded to individuals whose service has been significantly above and beyond the call of duty.
The Diocesan St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award was given to Kate Neri, current Assistant to the Director of the Office of Divine Worship and previous events manager in the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. This award is given to someone who has shown significant effort toward the promotion of Catholic Girl Scouting.
The National St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal was presented to Emile Matucci, who has served as a troop leader at four different levels and who gives of her time and talent as cantor for the Diocese’s Scout Recognition Mass. This medal recognizes meritorious contributions of adults who serve youth through Girl Scouts and Camp Fire.
The National St. Ann Medal was bestowed upon Carol Sterck, a member of Girl Scouts for more than 50 years. She has led Girl Scout programs at her parish, served as a volunteer at various levels and gave 17 years to the Diocesan Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire. The medal is the highest recognition of the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire.
The St. George Emblem, an honor of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting to recognize contributions and dedication over an extended period of time, was presented to Father Keith Carroll and Roger Chatell. Father Carroll, pastor of Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in New Oxford, has served as chaplain of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting since 2013. Chatell has been a professional Scout for 24 years, serving in five councils and giving his time and talent to various ministries within the Church.
A Celebration of Role Models
Chairpersons of the diocese’s Scouting Committees offered remarks on the various programs and workshops for Scouts encouraged additional participation from young men and women with interest in the organization.
For Girl Scouts and Camp Fire, new endeavors include patch programs that are offered online, including one on the Catholic traditions of Halloween and another on St. Valentine, said Donna Kelly, Chair of the Diocesan Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire.
Deacon Patrick McCormack, Chair of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, was unable to attend due to volunteer training, but his written remarks were read by Glen Hair.
“Our youth need mentors and role models…. We cannot yield to secular influences, but must rather go out into them to offer what witness we can and encourage young people to stay true to the faith,” he said.
Offering closing remarks, Bishop Timothy Senior commended all the leaders for their countless hours of dedication.
“Catholic Scouting presents great opportunities for young men and women, and I’m very grateful for the role you leaders play,” he said. “Thank you for all the time, energy, and talent you put into making Scouting what it is in our diocese and our communities.”
Learn more about Catholic Scouting at this link.
To see the photos of the banquet from Jen Reed, click HERE.
By Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness