Special to The Message
Rociada, New Mexico – The National Catholic Committee on Scouting wishes to express its support for the National Eucharistic Revival and outline the ways NCCS is working to further the goals of this important initiative. In addition to a special activity program focused on the Eucharist, NCCS is lending support to the revival through Catholic Scouting participation in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage and Congress in 2024, and through financial support.
“As the Holy Spirit fills us this Pentecost, we pray that this heavenly fire will kindle a deeper faith in us,” said Father Gerard Gentleman, NCCS National Chaplain. “It is a time to reignite our faith, focused on the source and summit of our faith, Jesus in the Eucharist.”
“NCCS is providing a Catholic Scouting Eucharistic Revival Activity Program for use by all Catholics, you don’t have to be a Scout to utilize this program,” said John Anthony, NCCS Chair. “Our hope is that people who engage in this program will grow in knowledge of the Eucharist and, more importantly, grow in a desire to have a personal experience of Jesus in the Eucharist.”
Anyone can utilize the Eucharistic Revival Activity Program content posted on the NCCS-BSA.org website. The downloadable program guide features activities for Catholics six years of age and older – and encourages whole-family activities, so families can learn and grow together.
The Eucharistic Revival is a 3-year initiative sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The revival was launched in 2022 and continues until Pentecost in 2025. The goal of this program is to help all Catholics, young and old, revive their faith and love of Jesus through prayer and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. This is important to do because just half of American Catholics believe in the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
NCCS promotes Catholic Scouting, which leverages all the time-honored, adventure-filled elements of Boy Scouts of America, in addition to specialized Catholic programming. Catholic Scouting programming includes more than 50 Religious Activities and five comprehensive Religious Emblems programs. Catholic Scouting programming complements what is taught in Catholic schools and parish faith-formation classes, and welcomes boys and girls starting in kindergarten.
Learn more about Catholic Scouting by visiting catholicscouting.com and nccs-bsa.org.