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