By Julie Godfrey Miller
Catholic Herald
Bishop Fliss presents Scouting awards
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Scout Nicholas Eling from Hudson receives congratulations from Fliss. Eling received the Ad Altare Dei Award on Scout Recognition Sunday.(Photo by Michelle Edwards) |
SUPERIOR -- Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Brownies and Cub Scouts came from all corners of the diocese to receive awards from Bishop Raphael M. Fliss on the ninth annual Scout Recognition Sunday. The event was held at the Cathedral of Christ the King on May 19.
In his welcoming remarks Fliss thanked the Scouts, Scout leaders and parents for coming. "We are so happy you are willing to come some distance to be here with us," he said.
The ceremony began with an opening song, followed by readings. In his homily, Fliss commented on the relevance of the Gospel reading (Mark 10:13-16) to Scouting.
In the Gospel people were bringing children to Jesus, but in trying to be helpful to Jesus and see that he was not bothered, his disciples and followers tried to keep them away. When Jesus saw this, he asked that the children be brought forward. Fliss said, "He put his hand on each one and he blessed them in that same fashion that you as parents and family members who are encouraging your boys and girls, your young people, to involve themselves in Scouting (do). ... You want to help Jesus receive each and every one of them."
Fliss also talked about the spiritual benefits of Scouting. He said, "They are growing closer to the Lord. They are learning more about Jesus."
Earlier in the day, Fliss said, he had administered the sacrament of Confirmation to students from the Cathedral Parish. He he did not help distribute Communion at the Confirmation Mass, so he was able to watch the people as they came up. He noticed a girl, about 2 years old, who was reaching into the airand making grasping motions with her little hand. "She wanted to get into whatever this was. She was reaching for Jesus," Fliss said.
He related that to Scouting, which helps young people learn respect for one another and respect and love of God. He said, "We want to reach out for virtue and make that a part of our lives."
Following the homily Fliss, with the assistance of members of the Diocesan Committee on Scouting, presented awards to all of the winners who were present. There were a total of 90 winners of youth Scouting awards plus an additional 35 winners of the Millennium Patch. Two adults received awards and 6 received the Millennium Patch. In addition 14 youth and adults won International Awareness awards.
© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002