Congratulations to Rev. John Barbella,
the new Moderator of the Catholic Scouting Apostolate

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 Boy Scout Troops, sponsored by parishes and schools. Each year, the diocese celebrate a Scout Mass in June to recognize all those involved in scouting. Through the BSA awards program, Catholic scouts are provided the opportunity to earn different religious emblems, which are provided by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) was formed by the Bishops of the United States in the 1950s to oversee the development of a spiritual presence in the activities of Boy 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.   

Awards

Any scout interested in earning their award may obtain the booklet online at praypub.org, scoutstuff.org, or their local council office. Cub Scouts need to seek approval from their pastor to begin and work with their families to complete their award book. When the booklet is completed, the scout will need to review it with his pastor and get the necessary signature. When the booklet is completed, the scout will need to review it with his 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 made payable to the 'St. Philip and St. James Church' in the amount of $12.00 per medal to:

Nora Burkeklippstein - Catholic Scouting
St. Philip and St. James Parish
430 South Main St.
Phillipsburg,  NJ  08865
(908) 735-9520
secretary@spsj.org   

Please call Nora Burkeklippstein at (908) 735-9520 for more information.

Boy Scouts need to seek approval from their pastor and must work on their religious awards with an approved Counselor or Facilitator.