Scout Sunday

Today is Scout Sunday, when we recognize Scouts and the blessings that Scouting brings not only to our congregation but to our nation and the world. Since the inception of the Scouting movement at the beginning of this century, religious faith has played a major role in character development of Scouts, which is one of the primary aims of both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. “The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is…to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness,” while “The mission or purpose of Girl Scouting is to inspire girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism, and service that they may become happy and resourceful citizens.”

These goals are more critical today than ever before. The proportion of young people in America today choosing to do what is wrong is alarmingly high. Sometimes even basic values such as honesty and respect for others seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Scouting is a powerful force to counter these attitudes, and faith on God is at the heart of the programs. In their oath and promise all Scouts pledge to serve God. Why should a scout pledge duty to God? In the words of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, “Religion is essential to happiness. This is not a mere matter of going to church, knowing Bible history, or understanding theology. Religion …means recognizing who and what is God, secondly, making the best of the life that He has given one and doing what He wants of us. This is mainly doing something for other people.”

Today we thank you our scouts and their leaders for taking upon themselves these fine principles and to give their very best to help others, to uplift people in their needs, and to lead so many of their brothers and sisters to God.

Fr. Chester