Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over! Soon the beaches and playgrounds will be a lost quieter during the day as the sound of school buses and school bells are heard once again. Teachers are well into their planning for the opening of school, as our parishes and organizations, like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The same is true for the us on the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Before we know it we will be in the thick of religious emblems, retreat planning, etc.
As these preparations begin to increase as we approach Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect with me why we do what we do.
The parish I live at, St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis, was the location of the funeral for Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The Kennedy family has a long history here and at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. It was amazing to see the turn out at the wake and funeral, as well as the crowds that showed up outside the church the day of the funeral.
It is hard to believe that summer is almost over! Soon the beaches and playgrounds will be a lost quieter during the day as the sound of school buses and school bells are heard once again. Teachers are well into their planning for the opening of school, as our parishes and organizations, like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The same is true for the us on the Catholic Committee on Scouting. Before we know it we will be in the thick of religious emblems, retreat planning, etc.
As these preparations begin to increase as we approach Labor Day, I invite you to take a moment to reflect with me why we do what we do.
The parish I live at, St. Francis Xavier in Hyannis, was the location of the funeral for Eunice Kennedy Shriver. The Kennedy family has a long history here and at Our Lady of Victory in Centerville. It was amazing to see the turn out at the wake and funeral, as well as the crowds that showed up outside the church the day of the funeral.
Mrs. Shriver was a fascinating person who accomplished so much in her lifetime and her children have continued her work. Her Catholic Faith was very important to her and was a source of inspiration, encouragement and strength for her.
Her life of service and most importantly her faith serves as an inspiration to all of us. She believed that each person is special and has something to offer the world. She worked not only to protect the dignity and rights of others, but to ensure that they had opportunities to contribute to their community.
Scouting seeks to build up the leadership skills of our youth, to provide opportunities to learn about themselves, to take pride in who they are, and to put their gifts and talents to work to change the world. The values and skills they learn in Scouting are infused with another important principle in Scouting: Duty to God.
The Catholic Church has a long history of using scouting as part of its ministry to youth. The Catholic Committee on Scouting seeks to help scouts and adult volunteers to use the skills they are learning in building up the Kingdom of God and a just society.
Let us all draw inspiration from Eunice Shriver and above all draw strength from the same well of Faith as she did, our faith in Jesus Christ. This inspiration and strength will be needed as we follow the Lord's command to put our skills to work in changing our world.
Her life of service and most importantly her faith serves as an inspiration to all of us. She believed that each person is special and has something to offer the world. She worked not only to protect the dignity and rights of others, but to ensure that they had opportunities to contribute to their community.
Scouting seeks to build up the leadership skills of our youth, to provide opportunities to learn about themselves, to take pride in who they are, and to put their gifts and talents to work to change the world. The values and skills they learn in Scouting are infused with another important principle in Scouting: Duty to God.
The Catholic Church has a long history of using scouting as part of its ministry to youth. The Catholic Committee on Scouting seeks to help scouts and adult volunteers to use the skills they are learning in building up the Kingdom of God and a just society.
Let us all draw inspiration from Eunice Shriver and above all draw strength from the same well of Faith as she did, our faith in Jesus Christ. This inspiration and strength will be needed as we follow the Lord's command to put our skills to work in changing our world.
