Since the 1920s, the Church’s involvement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has been a wonderful and practical way to help Catholic youth fulfill their duty to God and their country in an environment that provides wholesome fun under the guidance of strong adult role models.

Many young people of in the Diocese of Metuchen are now, or previously have been, involved with Cub Scout Packs and Troops, Crews, and Posts sponsored by parishes and schools. Each year, the diocese celebrates a Scout Mass to recognize all those involved in scouting. Through the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) awards program, Catholic scouts are provided the opportunity to earn age-appropriate religious emblems and activity patches and pins. 

The Bishops of the United States formed the NCCS in the 1950s to oversee the development of a spiritual presence in the activities of scout programs associated with the Catholic Church. The Diocese of Metuchen is a member of the NCCS and follows its national guidelines on Catholic scouting. The diocesan Catholic Scouting Apostolate also follows guidelines set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Youth Ministry when it comes to ministry programs for adolescents.   

Rev. John Barbella
Moderator, Catholic Scouting Apostolate

Catholic Scouting Awards

Any scout interested in earning their emblem may obtain the workbork online at nccsshop.org or at their local scout shop. Cub Scouts need to seek approval from their pastor to begin and then work with their families to complete their award book. When the booklet is completed, the scout will need to review it with his/her pastor and get the necessary signature.

After the pastor signs the form, the scout should keep a copy and send the original form with a check payable to the 'St. John Vianney Church' in the amount of $12.00 per medal to:

Catholic Scouting
St. John Vianney Church
420 Inman Avenue
Colonia, NJ 07067
snoto@sjvs.net 

Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, and Explorers need to seek approval from their pastor before starting either the Ad Altare or the Pope Pius emblems and must work on their religious awards with a diocesan-approved counselor or facilitator. 

Please contact Nora Burke Klippstein at klipclan@att.net or 908-735-9520 for more information. 

 

Resources:

• CatholicScouting.com

• NCCS-BSA.org