Special to the Message
The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (DCCS) held its annual Scout/Venturer Retreat March 1-3 at the Catholic Center in Evansville. The retreat is offered to support the diocese whose parishes sponsor scout units to promote spiritual values in the youth. The theme for the retreat was based on Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always,” as part of the Diocesan Eucharistic Initiative. Troops in attendance sponsored by the following parishes were: St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, St. Boniface Parish in Evansville, Christ the King Parish in Ferdinand, Holy Family Parish in Jasper, St. John the Baptist Parish in Newburgh, and St. Joseph Parish in Princeton. The DCCS thanks volunteers Mary Lou Bradley and Lois Schenk who graciously prepared the delicious meals.
Talks related to the theme were given by Diocese of Evansville Seminarians Jack Martin, Jacob Schneider and Nick Folz. The talks were followed by age-related discussion groups. Jack Martin also assisted in the various liturgies. Prayers included meal prayers, the Angelus and Liturgy of the Hours, which were led by various youth. The theme song was “Bread of Life.” Mass was celebrated March 2 by Bishop Joseph M. Siegel. The evening of March 2 consisted of a Eucharistic Procession, adoration and benediction led by Scout Chaplain Deacon Anthony (Tony) Schapker. During adoration, the opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation was provided with the help of Father Jim Koressel, senior priest of the diocese; Father Jason Gries, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville; and Father Lowell Will, senior priest of the diocese.
Activities included doing the Twelve Stations of the Eucharist and the opportunity for work on some of the requirements of the Eucharistic Revival Patch, sponsored by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. Free time activities included frisbee, basketball, short hikes, chess and card games. A course on “Spiritual Development for Leaders” was offered to adults. This study explains Scouting as a Youth Ministry and how leaders can best help develop spiritual values in the youth as well as in themselves.
Several recognitions were made during the retreat. Bishop Siegel was presented with the Bronze Pelican Emblem to recognize his support of scouting in the diocese. The Bronze Pelican Emblem was also given to Steve Hopf of Jasper’s Holy Family Parish for his leadership in scouting, especially in being a counselor for youth religious emblems. The St. George Emblem was presented to Father Jason Gries for his continued support of religious activities in scouting. The retreat concluded Sunday morning with a Mass celebrated by Father Jim Koressel.
