Catholic Scouting America

The USCCB is hiring a new Assistant Director for Ministries with Youth & Young Adults! As you know, the previous Assistant Director, Dr. Maria Parker, has moved onto another role at the USCCB, so our Secretariat has revised and is now posting the new Assistant Director role through our USCCB Human Resources page:

https://www.irecruit-us.com/index.php?OrgID=I20121215&RequestID=17901932996ab42e931b6964758&olnew=1&slnew=35&navpg=listings

This position will now encompass the Church’s ministries with youth and with young adults and will have a significant role in the planning of the next World Youth Day. The individual in this position will serve as the USCCB staff liaison to NFCYM, LaRED, NIMYA, and Catholic Scouting America, and, as in the past, will work in close collaboration with CCMA and other organizations, apostolates, and movements which engage young people. Engagement with local, diocesan, and national leaders in these ministerial areas is also a major part of the job. And whoever is hired will work hand-in-hand with me (and report to me) as the Associate Director for the Laity within the LMFLY Secretariat.”

Celebrate 100 Years of Faith & Service with the Ad Altare Dei Emblem!

Did you know that 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Ad Altare Dei religious emblem? First awarded in 1926—and later becoming the very first religious award recognized on the Scouting uniform—this historic program continues to inspire young Catholics today!

Designed for members of Scouts BSA, Venturing, and Sea Scouts (ages 13–14+), Ad Altare Dei (To the Altar of God) guides youth in developing a fully Christian way of life rooted in their faith community and the Seven Sacraments.

Why encourage your Scout to earn it?
• Deepens Sacramental Faith: Helps Scouts grow closer to God by exploring the seven sacraments as primary sources of spiritual strength.
• Mentorship & Fellowship: Completed with an approved facilitator over 6 to 8 months, fostering meaningful group discussions, journal reflections, and parish engagement.
• A Century-Old Honor: Earns the emblem medal, the official Scouting America religious square knot, and helps fulfill eligibility for Catholic Scouting college scholarships!

Talk with your Scout, unit leader, or parish coordinator to find a trained facilitator and pick up the Ad Altare Dei Youth Manual through the Catholic Scouting America store or local Scout Shop. https://nccsshop.org/product/ad-altare-dei-youth-manual/

Help your Scout take this transformative step toward the altar of God!

Have Questions? Contact your local Diocesan Catholic Committee https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/download/diocesan-catholic-committee-contacts/

Help Your Cub Scout Discover God’s Love with the Parvuli Dei Emblem!

Looking for a meaningful way to enrich your family's faith journey while supporting your Cub Scout? The Parvuli Dei (Children of God) religious emblem is designed specifically for Bear, Webelos, and Arrow of Light Cub Scouts (ages 8–10)!
This special program helps young Scouts recognize God’s presence in their daily lives as active members of their families, parishes, packs, and communities.

Why your family will love working on it together:
• Grows Awareness of God's Love: Guides your Scout to see how God is at work in their everyday actions, relationships, and service to others.
• Strengthens Family Faith: Designed to be completed at home with a parent or guardian, sparking inspiring conversations, shared Bible readings, and meaningful prayer time.
• Earn Uniform Recognition: Upon completion, Scouts receive the emblem medal and earn the Scouting America religious knot to wear proudly on their uniform!

Although the activities take about 4 to 6 hours to complete, spreading them over several weeks transforms the workbook into a lasting, faith-building routine.

Pick up a Parvuli Dei Activity Book today through the Scouting America Scout Shop or the Catholic Scouting America store to embark on this beautiful journey together! https://nccsshop.org/product/parvuli-dei-activity-book/

Have Questions? Contact your local Diocesan Catholic Committee https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/download/diocesan-catholic-committee-contacts/

Please join us in mourning the passing of Fr. Leo LeBlanc, who entered eternal life early on September 8, 2026.

Fr. Leo's devotion to Catholic Scouting spanned nearly five decades. Based in Manchester, NH, he was active with the Diocese of Manchester's Catholic Scouting Committee as far back as 1977, and went on to serve as NCCS National Chaplain (1992–1995), NCCS Region 1 Chaplain for many years, ICCS Americas/Inter-America Region Chaplain (approx. 2002–2009), and ICCS World Chaplain (2006–2014). Through this ministry he touched the lives of Catholic Scouts and leaders across the country and around the world.

🕊️ Funeral Arrangements (Nashua, NH):
📍 Visitation — Tuesday, September 15, 5:00–8:00 p.m., Davis Funeral Home, 1 Lock St., Nashua, NH 03064
⛪ Mass of Christian Burial — Wednesday, September 16, 10:00 a.m., St. Louis De Gonzaga Church, 48 W. Hollis St., Nashua, NH 03060
🌳 Interment — Immediately following, St. Louis Cemetery, 752 W. Hollis St., Nashua, NH 03062

A memorial Mass will also be celebrated in his honor in Mt. Pleasant, IA, at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 607 South Jackson Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, followed by a continental breakfast. All are welcome.

Read his full obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/leo-leblanc-obituary?id=62379866

Please keep Fr. Leo, his family, and all who knew and loved him in your prayers.

Note to all clergy: if you are attending the Mass and would like to concelebrate, please contact the NCCS office.

Leo A. Leblanc Obituary (2026) - Mt. Pleasant, IA - Davis Funeral Home View Leo A. Leblanc's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

Saint Peter Claver is a powerful role model for scouts because he practiced service, courage, compassion, respect, perseverance, teamwork, and faith in action. He dedicated his life to defending people who were being treated unjustly and to restoring their sense of human dignity. He served people who were suffering.

Saint Peter Claver ministered in Cartagena, Colombia, where enslaved Africans were brought under terrible conditions. He went to meet them with food, medicine, and practical assistance. He also cared for the sick, visited prisoners, and served other people who were poor or marginalized.

This reflects the Scout commitment to help others. Scouts can imitate him by:
• Serving at food pantries or shelters
• Visiting the sick or elderly
• Helping someone who is lonely or excluded
• Taking responsibility for difficult service projects
• Offering practical help before giving advice

Saint Peter understood that love must be expressed through concrete action.
He can inspire scouts to ask three questions:
1. Who is being ignored or treated unfairly?
2. What practical help can I provide?
3. Will I continue doing what is right even if it is difficult or unpopular?

Share this religious activity with your scouts or family: https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/download/peter-claver/

Learn more about the Saints on FORMED (sign up for free at https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/formed/)

Illuminate Your Scout’s Faith Journey with the Light of Christ Award!

Looking for a meaningful way to grow closer as a family while helping your Cub Scout deepen their faith? The Light of Christ (Lumen Christi) religious emblem is a wonderful opportunity designed specifically for Tiger and Wolf Cub Scouts (ages 6–7)!

Through fun, home-based activities and guided Bible readings, this program helps your young Scout recognize Jesus as a real person, a loving friend, and the center of Christian life.

Why your family will love it:
• Deepens Faith: Helps your Scout build a personal, lasting relationship with Jesus.
• Brings Families Together: Designed to be completed at home, creating special moments of prayer, conversation, and bonding.
• Earn Recognition: Scouts who complete the program receive the emblem and are eligible to wear the Scouting America religious knot on their uniform!

Although the activity book can be completed in just a few hours, spreading the activities over several weeks helps turn it into a rewarding spiritual routine.

Order your Light of Christ Activity Book today through the NCCS Online Store or the Scouting America Scout Shop to get started on this special journey together! https://nccsshop.org/product/light-of-christ-activity-book/

Have Questions? Contact your local Diocesan Catholic Committee https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/download/diocesan-catholic-committee-contacts/

Religious Activities are a great way to learn more about our Catholic faith through the lives of Saints like Saint Teresa of Calcutta who made service the center of her life.

Mother Teresa began listening to God when she was a young girl, when she was very involved in her parish in what is now North Macedonia. She listened to God when she travelled hundreds of miles to join a religious order for women in Ireland when she was 18. Then, she listened to the Reverend Mother of her order and went to India to teach. While on retreat, she really listened to God speaking to her – and it would change her life.

Jesus taught, “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Mk 10:43). Saint Teresa lived this teaching by dedicating herself to people who were poor, sick, abandoned, or forgotten. Pope John Paul II described her as someone who chose not only to be among the least, but to become “the servant of the least.”

Saint Teresa of Calcutta is a strong role model for scouts because she lived the values of service, compassion, courage, leadership, perseverance, and respect for every person. Her life shows that even small acts of kindness can become a powerful witness to God’s love. She can inspire scouts to ask three questions:
• Who is being overlooked?
• What practical help can I offer?
• Can I do this with love, even if no one notices?

Share this religious activity with your scouts https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/download/mother-teresa/

Learn more about Saint Teresa of Calcutta on FORMED (sign up for free at https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/formed/)

Religious Emblems: Growing in Faith, Serving with Purpose

Did you know that Catholic Scouting is about more than just outdoor skills and leadership? It’s also a powerful journey of spiritual growth!

Through Catholic Scouting America, Scouts have the opportunity to earn five distinct Religious Emblems tailored to their age and development—from the Light of Christ for young Cub Scouts to Pope Pius XII for older youth. Parents and family can play an important role in the process.

Why should a Scout work toward earning a Religious Emblem?
• Deeper Faith: It goes beyond simple badge requirements, encouraging Scouts to explore, understand, and active live out their Catholic faith.
• Personal Character: It builds a strong moral foundation, helping young people apply timeless values to everyday challenges.
• Recognition & Achievement: Completing an emblem program entitles the Scout to wear the official Scouting America Religious Knot on their uniform with pride.

Encourage your Scout to take the next step in their faith journey! Learn more about the emblem requirements and how to get started today.https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/religious-emblems/
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Calling Past NCCS Scholarship Recipients!

The application portal is now open!

Have you received an NCCS Scholarship within the last six years? Catholic Scouting America invites you to apply for the $2,000 St. Katharine Drexel Continuing Education Scholarship—available exclusively for past NCCS Scholarship recipients who are continuing their education in college or grad school!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity—learn more and check out the requirements here: https://catholicscoutingamerica.org/college-scholarships/ The application portal is now open!

Catholic Scouting USA