Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
PHOTO: Celebrating Scout Sunday at St. Mary Church in Augusta are, from left, back row, the Rev. John Skehan, Anthony Fortin, Ian Martin, Connor Poirier, Tristan Morton; front row, Jacob Blais, Willow Mudie, Scarlotte Mudie, Elizabeth Blais and Tom Carey. (Submitted photo)
AUGUSTA — Scouts from BSA Troops 631 and 603 joined with Cub Scout Packs 684 and 603 at St. Mary’s Church on Feb. 6 as part of the annual celebration of Scout Sunday.
Scouts joined parish leaders in distributing bulletins to parishioners, assisting with the offering, altar service, and recited the Scout Oath and Law for the assembled congregation.
“Not every family attends the same church, but every Scout is taught to respect the religious freedom we enjoy in the United States,” said Jeff Morton, Scout leader. “Our Scouts, today – on Scout Sunday — participated in this Catholic Mass and through this experience learned to appreciate the Catholic faith.”
Morton said that St. Mary and the Rev. John Skehan, who officiated the Mass, opened their doors to the Scouts. “We were welcomed, allowed to participate, and learned so that our Scouts can better understand their community and its religious culture,” Morton said. “Diversity, and tolerance are fostered through understanding and respect- this is what Scouting teaches.”
According to District Chairman Joe Shelton, the BSA asks its members to affirm a belief in God. That doesn’t mean the Boy Scouts of America tells its members which religion to practice. Scouting provides youth members with opportunities to deepen their personal faith through programs such as the Scout Sunday event, leadership positions in their troop such as chaplain, and the religious emblems program. Lord Robert Baden Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, said in 1908, “No man is much good unless he believes in God and obeys His laws. So every Scout should have a religion.”
