Catholic Scouts Called to Leadership at Cathedral Mass

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Honored for their service to the Church and community, archdiocesan Scouts assembled at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Emblem Sunday were issued an enthusiastic edict: “Embrace this duty.”

Msgr. Anthony Marchitelli, pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption parish in the Bronx who serves as Scout chaplain, set the bar high for the youths as he challenged and cheered them in his homily at the April 26 Mass.

Cardinal Dolan served as principal celebrant of the afternoon liturgy and was presented the International Catholic Conference of Scouting Duty to God Award by Bray Barnes, the world chair. The liturgy was sponsored by the archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting.

“As Scouts you are called to follow and respond to God’s voice but also to be leaders in our Church and in our communities,” Msgr. Marchitelli said.

“All of you here have studied and learned about the sacraments and how they help us evolve but always remember that the Scouting movement is designed to make leaders and now you have these medals and you are a symbol to others.”

Msgr. Marchitelli, a Boy Scout during his days at SS. Peter and Paul parish in the South Bronx, has been involved with Scouting for more than 40 years.

“Scouting is a vital part of the ministry to the youth of the archdiocese,” Cardinal Dolan said in remarks. He thanked the archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, as well as the priests, deacons, religious and faithful “who play a vital role in the Catholic Scouting movement.”

The cardinal conveyed his gratitude to parents, guardians and Scout leaders for their guidance and influence on the youngsters’ journey of faith through Scouting.

Salvatore Castronovo of Immaculate Conception parish in Stony Point told CNY of the skills that parents will likely see their children gain through Scouting, namely, responsibility, leadership, organization and a willingness to help others.

Castronovo serves as the troop chaplain and assistant Scout master of Troop 2061. He accompanied to the cathedral Mass several boys from the troop who were awarded the Ad Altare Dei Emblem. Translated “to the altar of God,” the emblem is conferred to Catholic Scouts who have developed a way of Christian life based on the seven sacraments.

“This medal to me means that I am a little more involved and I have a better understanding of what it means to be a Catholic youth,” said Jared Fiscus of Troop 2061 and Immaculate Conception in Stony Point

Michael Hernandez, also a recipient of the Ad Altare Dei Emblem from Troop 2061 and Immaculate Conception in Stony Point, said he is grateful for the opportunities Scouting gives, such as meeting new people, doing different activities and challenging oneself. “What I love most about Scouting is that every day is like a new chapter in a book.”

They were joined by more than 220 other Scouts—boys and girls—who earned religious medals.

Based on both past and present Scouts assembled at the cathedral, the membership continues to cross generations.

Hailey Tyler, 15, a Girl Scout representing Venture Crew 78 from St. Anthony’s parish in Nanuet, has been involved in Scouting for 10 years. She was among the Scouts awarded the Pope Pius XII Emblem, which represents Catholic Scouting’s Church-related ministries and vocation program.

Hailey’s mother, Susan, is committee chair of Venture Crew 78. She said she is proud of her daughter. “I have just seen her grow further in her faith and I see her living her faith and just becoming a mature young lady through the help of Scouting,” Mrs. Tyler said.

A number of other awards were distributed at the Emblem Mass. The Marian Award, for girls between the ages of 12 and 15, helps them grow closer to God through imitation of the Blessed Mother’s life of prayer and service.

Adults who give of their time to mentor youths were honored with the St. George Award, named for the patron saint of Scouting; the Bronze Pelican Award; the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award and the St. Anne Medal.

The Pope Paul VI National Unit Recognition Award was granted to several Catholic units for providing outstanding religious and educational programs.

The Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Archdiocese of New York was again conferred the Quality Diocese Recognition Award.