The first reading from the Ascension this past Thursday came from chapter one of the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles have just seen an incredible sight. Jesus has just gone up into the sky out of their sight. This is a pretty spectacular thing. There wasn't a helicopter or plane or glider. I think any of us would be so filled with awe at what we had just seen that we would probably be standing there for a few moments just looking up at the sky trying to comprehend what we have just seen. This trance is interupted by the two angels who in verse 11 call out to them: "why are you standing there looking up into the sky?"
In the account of the finding of the empty tomb in Luke's gospel, the angel greets the women with a similar question, "why do you seek the living among the dead?". If more of the conversation was recorded we may hear the angels use the line, "Why are you still here?". There is an urgency in the proclamation of the gospel, and this proclamation has been entrusted to all of us. We as Christians are called to make the Lord's love and presence known to all people. They are to meet the risen Christ in their interactions with us.
Scouting seeks to help youth to identify the leadership skills they possess and to build up others so that they will be responsible and productive citizens in our world. These skills are needed to build up the kingdom of God as well. These skills need to be put to use now. Scouts have the ability to bring the gospel to their peers and communities in ways that adults cannot. The Catholic Committee on Scouting attempts to assist scouts in applying what they learn in scouting to practical use in terms of faith. For this to work, scouts need to take the initiative and use the resources being made available to them. The committee does not do the work, it seeks to enable scouts to use the skills they have acquired and are learning.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chosen
Today is the feast of St. Mathias, the one chosen by the Apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus. Read the account of how Mathias was chosen:
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.Then they prayed,"You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,show which one of these two you have chosento take the place in this apostolic ministryfrom which Judas turned away to go to his own place."Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)
How much things have changed! I spent five years in the seminary before I was ordained, Mathias just had to win the lottery!
While the process has changed quite a bit, the reality hasn't: Jesus has chosen us to a specific service. Each of us, whether we are called to be a priest, religious, married person, single person are needed and wanted by the Lord. He has chosen us to help build up the kingdom of God in a way that only we can.
Scouting is a way that we come to realize that we have been called and have special gifts and talents that can be put to use, not only to make the world a better place, but to make God's love known to others. That is why the Church has a long history of utilizing scouting in her overall ministry to youth and why so many dedicated people work to make religious emblems, activities and prayer opportunities available to our young scouts. It is why we also need to provide opportunities for our adult scouters to grow in faith as well.
Peace,
Fr. David
So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas,who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.Then they prayed,"You, Lord, who know the hearts of all,show which one of these two you have chosento take the place in this apostolic ministryfrom which Judas turned away to go to his own place."Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)
How much things have changed! I spent five years in the seminary before I was ordained, Mathias just had to win the lottery!
While the process has changed quite a bit, the reality hasn't: Jesus has chosen us to a specific service. Each of us, whether we are called to be a priest, religious, married person, single person are needed and wanted by the Lord. He has chosen us to help build up the kingdom of God in a way that only we can.
Scouting is a way that we come to realize that we have been called and have special gifts and talents that can be put to use, not only to make the world a better place, but to make God's love known to others. That is why the Church has a long history of utilizing scouting in her overall ministry to youth and why so many dedicated people work to make religious emblems, activities and prayer opportunities available to our young scouts. It is why we also need to provide opportunities for our adult scouters to grow in faith as well.
Peace,
Fr. David
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hello Again
Greetings once again! It has been a long time since I have written, and a lot has happened. Last summer we launched our new website, www.catholicscout.com. It has taken a lot longer than expected for updates to occur, but I am told that this is being addressed. This blog will be appearing on that site as well.
Next Tuesday morning I have an early flight to Texas where I will be attending meetings of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Last December I was in Cleveland for the National Catholic Youth Ministers Conference, where the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Campfire met. December's meeting was a very enthusiastic gathering and I anticipate a successful week in Galveston.
While it appears not much has happened in terms of Catholic Scouting within our own Diocese, much has occurred in laying the foundation for the future. The changes in leadership provided an opportunity to assess and plan.
The Boy Scout Committee has been rebuilding according to the recommendations of the NCCS. The Cape Cod Council Committee has been meeting and growing and soon, we will be announcing the establishment of a Council committee in Annawon (about 2/3 of our boy scouts and Venturers are from this council!). Work is progressing with the Narragansett Council. I will be part of a meeting when I return from Galveston with members of the Cachalot membership committee with the hopes of possibly establishing three to six new units!
The Girl Scout Committee has been adjusting to the new Council structure after the new merger. We were all saddened at the loss of Mary Powers beloved husband, Bob. Please keep the Powers family in your prayers.
I have had a few meetings with the retreat team advisors. The Team is being assembled and will soon begin planning for next year's retreat. Pencil in the dates: April 30, may1, May 2, 2010.
Also, the Scout Mass will take place on October 4, 2009 at 3pM at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Unfortunately, the Bishop will not be able to attend, but will send a message to be read at the mass. Invitations will be sent out to all the Diocesan Clergy and Catholic Chartered Units. In addition, we will be inviting all our scouts in the diocese, regardless of where there unit is chartered.
Finally, There are still spots available for scouts who would like to participate in the CHristian Leadership Institute offered by the Diocese of Fall River this June. The Catholic Committee will sponsor up to four scouts. Please contact me for more information.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NCCS, but we all know that the relationship goes back even further than that. The Church has always sought to build up the kingdom of God, but teaching the faith to our children and building up the skills they need to be repsonsible disciples and leaders in the Church and Society. You have contributed greatly to a most noble effort and for this I thank you. We also all know that much work remains. Let us pray for one another as we continue this great work.
Peace,
Fr. David
Next Tuesday morning I have an early flight to Texas where I will be attending meetings of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Last December I was in Cleveland for the National Catholic Youth Ministers Conference, where the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Campfire met. December's meeting was a very enthusiastic gathering and I anticipate a successful week in Galveston.
While it appears not much has happened in terms of Catholic Scouting within our own Diocese, much has occurred in laying the foundation for the future. The changes in leadership provided an opportunity to assess and plan.
The Boy Scout Committee has been rebuilding according to the recommendations of the NCCS. The Cape Cod Council Committee has been meeting and growing and soon, we will be announcing the establishment of a Council committee in Annawon (about 2/3 of our boy scouts and Venturers are from this council!). Work is progressing with the Narragansett Council. I will be part of a meeting when I return from Galveston with members of the Cachalot membership committee with the hopes of possibly establishing three to six new units!
The Girl Scout Committee has been adjusting to the new Council structure after the new merger. We were all saddened at the loss of Mary Powers beloved husband, Bob. Please keep the Powers family in your prayers.
I have had a few meetings with the retreat team advisors. The Team is being assembled and will soon begin planning for next year's retreat. Pencil in the dates: April 30, may1, May 2, 2010.
Also, the Scout Mass will take place on October 4, 2009 at 3pM at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Unfortunately, the Bishop will not be able to attend, but will send a message to be read at the mass. Invitations will be sent out to all the Diocesan Clergy and Catholic Chartered Units. In addition, we will be inviting all our scouts in the diocese, regardless of where there unit is chartered.
Finally, There are still spots available for scouts who would like to participate in the CHristian Leadership Institute offered by the Diocese of Fall River this June. The Catholic Committee will sponsor up to four scouts. Please contact me for more information.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NCCS, but we all know that the relationship goes back even further than that. The Church has always sought to build up the kingdom of God, but teaching the faith to our children and building up the skills they need to be repsonsible disciples and leaders in the Church and Society. You have contributed greatly to a most noble effort and for this I thank you. We also all know that much work remains. Let us pray for one another as we continue this great work.
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, May 23, 2008
Help Wanted!!!
The Catholic Committee on Scouting is seeking help for its work in Catholic Scouting.
The following are areas of need (as of today-more to come soon!):
Subcommittees for the Joint Committee (both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts):
Scout Mass: This annual event celebrates Scouting as Youth Ministry and awards the older Scout religious emblems as well as adult recognitions and National recognitions. The Committee will need to begin work for the 2009 Mass.
Marketing/Publicity: This committee is responsible for the Quarterly newsletter, regular communications of the Catholic Committee and marketing efforts.
Boy Scout Catholic Committee sub-committees:
100 Yrs of Scouting Celebration Committee
Religious Activities
Religious Emblems
Vocations
Membership
If interested, please contact the Catholic Scouting Office at 508-362-8122 or dfrccs@aol.com
The following are areas of need (as of today-more to come soon!):
Subcommittees for the Joint Committee (both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts):
Scout Mass: This annual event celebrates Scouting as Youth Ministry and awards the older Scout religious emblems as well as adult recognitions and National recognitions. The Committee will need to begin work for the 2009 Mass.
Marketing/Publicity: This committee is responsible for the Quarterly newsletter, regular communications of the Catholic Committee and marketing efforts.
Boy Scout Catholic Committee sub-committees:
100 Yrs of Scouting Celebration Committee
Religious Activities
Religious Emblems
Vocations
Membership
If interested, please contact the Catholic Scouting Office at 508-362-8122 or dfrccs@aol.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Louisville con't....
I only have a few minutes to post something quick. The Mass last evening was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Assumption which is a couple of blocks from the Hotel (how about that, we share a similar named cathedral). Bishop Gettlefinger (who is referred to as "Padre" was the celebrant. Padre is the episcopal liason the NCCS. The Regional meeting was informative as we were introduced to some of the new regional leadership and some "previews" of what is to be presented this week were presented.
Today began with breakfast on the restaurant on the top of the hotel. The restaurant revolves so you have a continually changing view of Louisville during your meal. I took some pictures, but don't have a cord to the camera I used. I was planning on taking pictures with my cell phone, but left the charger back home--and here isn't a cell phone store nearby. oh, well.
This afternoon was the first General Session and the topic was the NCCS self study. If you go to www.nccs-bsa.org you will find posted the report and a summary report. This is phase one of the study. Phase 2 will begin after the meeting and will look at internal structures.
The meeting was spent addressing some of the recommendations presented in the report. There will be further work and discussions tomorrow. Any type of process like this is very demanding and at times tense. It was a good meeting and there was some progress, but it was a long and tiring afternoon.
Right now, we are headed to the Cathedral for a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville, followed by a relaxing evening of southern hospitality.
More to come...
By the way, some news for you: the Region I conference will be held on October 4 at Camp Carpenter in Manchester New Hampshire. We were notified with the date late Monday night. Details will be coming in a couple of months. Art and I want to see if we can implement some of the recommendations for these regional events that were based on diocesan feedback.
Today began with breakfast on the restaurant on the top of the hotel. The restaurant revolves so you have a continually changing view of Louisville during your meal. I took some pictures, but don't have a cord to the camera I used. I was planning on taking pictures with my cell phone, but left the charger back home--and here isn't a cell phone store nearby. oh, well.
This afternoon was the first General Session and the topic was the NCCS self study. If you go to www.nccs-bsa.org you will find posted the report and a summary report. This is phase one of the study. Phase 2 will begin after the meeting and will look at internal structures.
The meeting was spent addressing some of the recommendations presented in the report. There will be further work and discussions tomorrow. Any type of process like this is very demanding and at times tense. It was a good meeting and there was some progress, but it was a long and tiring afternoon.
Right now, we are headed to the Cathedral for a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Kurtz of the Archdiocese of Louisville, followed by a relaxing evening of southern hospitality.
More to come...
By the way, some news for you: the Region I conference will be held on October 4 at Camp Carpenter in Manchester New Hampshire. We were notified with the date late Monday night. Details will be coming in a couple of months. Art and I want to see if we can implement some of the recommendations for these regional events that were based on diocesan feedback.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Arrived!
Good Afternoon!
Arrived in Louisville at 11AM this morning. It was a bumpy ride, but I've made it in one piece. It is good to see the many committed Catholic Committee members and volunteers from around the country--I've spent the last couple of hours reconnecting with many people. I'm off to my first meeting: Regional Chair/Chaplains and Diocesan Chair/Chaplains--a two hour meeting to get updated by the Executive Committee and hear what has been happening in Catholic Scouting throughout the country. I'll give a more complete update this evening. Off to the meeting!
Arrived in Louisville at 11AM this morning. It was a bumpy ride, but I've made it in one piece. It is good to see the many committed Catholic Committee members and volunteers from around the country--I've spent the last couple of hours reconnecting with many people. I'm off to my first meeting: Regional Chair/Chaplains and Diocesan Chair/Chaplains--a two hour meeting to get updated by the Executive Committee and hear what has been happening in Catholic Scouting throughout the country. I'll give a more complete update this evening. Off to the meeting!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Off to Louisville!!!
The 2008 Biennial Conference is this week. This is an opportunity for Scouters from across the country to come together, share new ideas, meet new people, reconnect with old friends and celebrate the special relationship between The Catholic Church and BSA. In addition, there will be meetings of the various committees and leadership of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. I will post here throughout the week from Louisville (I fly out tomorrow morning). Please keep the NCCS and those travelling in your prayers.
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