Grand Rapids Catholic Committee

GRAND RAPIDS CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING

HOSTS FIRST

CATHOLIC SCOUT RETREAT IN TWENTY FIVE YEARS

Let the vision of the youth of today come true, the vision of a world united in genuine brotherhood, governed by true justice and guided by lasting peace. A world characterized by "a deep trust in man and a deep trust in the grandeur of the human vocation". An unfailing hope sustained by realism and responsibility, optimism and hard work will certainly lead to that goal. - Archbishop Stanislaw Rylko

Driving into the peaceful and serene setting of the Franciscan Life Process Center quaintly nested in the countryside of Lowell, Michigan; the excitement was building as the Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting hosted the first Catholic Scout Retreat in nearly a quarter of a century in the Diocese of Grand Rapids and the Gerald R. Ford Council. Held August 7-9, this retreat would also make history as the first Catholic Scout Retreat ever to incorporate both the Girl and Boy Scout programs, with the goal of providing Catholic Scouts an opportunity to live their faith with Scouting.

As a scatter of light rain fell and the sun set across the grove, the weather did not dampened spirits as more than 110 campers arrived at the 230-acre farm for the weekend’s festivities. Matt Galloway of Aquinas College and his team, the Life Force Team of West Catholic High School were inspirational, reaching all ages with moving and spiritual testimonies, music, prayer, and fellowship.

As a means to further develop their Catholic faith retreatants were offered a number of different workshops and trainings. Scouts participated in several faith building activities, a session teaching them how to pray the Rosary, and thus earning a Rosary Patch, and a presentation allowing them to earn one of the Footsteps of American Saints patches.  Adult Scouters were able to participate in training sessions for Catholic Religious Emblems Counselor, Youth Ministry, and Scouter Development offered by GRCCS Training Chairman, Deacon Leo Ferguson of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Grand Rapids.

The weekend retreat also included several service projects with the Franciscan Sisters; bailing of hay, repair and maintenance of several farm buildings, shoveling wood chips and weeding allowed Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, parents and leaders to come together and offer their help. On Saturday evening, Father Andy Thomson, C.Ss.R of St. Alphonsus Parish in Grand Rapids was on hand to celebrate Mass and administer the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the evening Eucharistic Adoration.  The Knights of Columbus of Bishop Kevin Britt Council 13526 of Belmont and Martin H. Carmody Council 389 of Grand Rapids also offered their support with the preparation of meals for the retreat.

In a moment of reflection, Tom Magnifico, GRCCS Chairman, remarked, “We do have much to be proud of, it was an excellent retreat.  “Awaken” was a wonderful selection for the retreat, hopefully through the efforts and hard work of those from Life Force Team, and our team, we truly did awaken our Catholic faith in all the Scouts, both Boy and Girl, who attended.  I was very inspired just witnessing the faith shown by Matt and his team. We are truly blessed.”

2010 Catholic Scout Retreat is scheduled at the Franciscan Life Process Center on August 6, 7, 8. Please join us.

As we begin to celebrate 100 years of Scouting in the United States, it is important to know that 100 years ago our country was still a mission country in the eyes of the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop Fredrick Baraga was the Missionary Priest that established the mission church on the west side of the Grand River in what is now Grand Rapids for the Ottawa in 1832.   He spent the next 36 years ministering to Native Americans and settlers from Europe.  Missionary priests brought the Roman Catholic Church to America and continue to bring our faith to all corners of the World.  To celebrate 100 years of Scouting, the Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting is offering the opportunity for Scouts to earn the Bishop Baraga Missionary Trails Award.

Complete all of the following:

1.     Give a brief history of a Missionary Priest that served the Catholic Church in your Diocese.  Bishop Baraga must be used for this requirement for the Grand Rapids Diocese.

2.     Explain the difference between a Missionary Priest and a Diocesan Priest.

3.     Visit a Catholic shrine and give a brief history of the shrine.

4.     Pray the Stations of the Cross at the Shrine and describe the Crosses that a Missionary Priest may encounter as they spread our Catholic Faith throughout the World.

5.     Attend a Mass at a church that was operating when the Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910.

6.     Explain how you as a Catholic Scout in the United States in 2010 can be like a missionary.

7.     Prepare a map that shows the locations that the Missionary you choose preached the Word of God and Evangelized the native people.

The above requirements have been completed by ______________________________________ Date______ Approved by _______________________________(Parent, Scout Leader or Pastor)

Mail the completed form along with $15.00 for each medal and $3.00 shipping and handling to:

 Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting

 6550 Belmont Ave NE

 Belmont, MI 49306.

Please send the Baraga Award(s) to:

Name:________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________

City, State & Zip: ________________________________________

Please contact Scott Harvey at 616 364 9086 or by e-mail scottharvey@prodigy.net with any questions. Congratulations to Nathan C. of Troop 283 of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary as the first recipient of the Bishop Baraga Missionary Trails Award!

Celebrating 100 Years of Scouting as Youth Ministry-1910-2010

Mike Overbeek - Troop 219 

POPE PAUL VI-CATHOLIC UNIT AWARD

Cub Scout Pack 3283 of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tony Slabaugh, Cubmaster.

Boy Scout Troop 283 of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pete Luczyk, Scoutmaster.

Boy Scout Troop 31 of St. Mary (Marne), Kurt Munro, Scoutmaster

RECIPIENTS OF THE BRONZE PELICAN DIOCESAN AWARD

Mr. Michael Lenz

Cubmaster of Pack 3208, Chartered by Holy Spirit

Mrs. Daina Luczyk

Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 283 Chartered by Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mr. Pete Luczyk

Scoutmaster of Troop 283 Chartered by Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Mr. Kevin Meyers

Scoutmaster of Troop 275 & Advisor of Crew 2275 Chartered by St. Mary Magdalene Committee Member, Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting

Mr. Bill Mullholland

Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner for Eagle Spirit District

BISHOP BARAGA AWARD

Nathan Christensen, Troop 283

RECIPIENTS OF THE ST. GEORGE NATIONAL AWARD

Mr. Scott Harvey

Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus, Bishop Kevin M. Britt;

Charter Organization Representative, Pack 3283 and Troop 283; Finance Council Chairman of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mr. Larry Wilson

Scoutmaster of Troop 230;

High Adventure Advisor for Section C-2B of the Order of the Arrow; Member of St. Jude Church Christian Formation Committee;

Fourth Degree Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus

RECIPIENT OF CATHOLIC COMMITTEE QUALITY AWARD Grand Rapids Catholic Committee on Scouting-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 

CUB

SCOUT

ACTIVITY

DAY

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010

This event is open to all Cub Scouts of all faiths.

Come out and enjoy a full day of activities!

·      Advancements-Religious Awards-Hike

·      Silk Screening-Group Competitions-Gardening

·      Service Project-Indian Crafts-Knot Tying-Whittling

·      Face Painting-Tattooing-Petting Zoo-Games

·      Much, much more!

Fun begins at 9 am-4 pm, Franciscan Life Process Center,

11650 Downes Street NE, Lowell, MI  49331-9489