Scout/Venturer retreat goes virtual

Special to The Message

The Diocese of Evansville Catholic Committee on Scouting held its annual Scout/Venturer Retreat on March 6 as a four-hour virtual retreat. Five troops attended the online session, and five other troops indicated they would watch a recording at a later date.

Bishop Joseph M. Siegel blesses participants as he closes the virtual retreat. Virtual participants appear at right in thumbnail images. Photo courtesy of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting

The meeting opened with a prayer and blessing by Diocesan Scout Chaplain Deacon Charlie Koressel.  Three Diocese of Evansville seminarians gave talks, including Tyler Underhill, who gave a live presentation from Rome.  Deacon Garrett Braun and seminarian Clint Johnson spoke from Saint Meinrad Archabbey. 

Diocese of Evansville seminarian Clint Johnson gives his virtual presentation from Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Photo courtesy of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting

Talks were related to the theme “Arise! I have appointed you as a witness of what you have seen” (Acts 26:16)—the words of Jesus to St. Paul at his conversion.  The seminarians’ talks focused on the conversion of St. Paul, what is conversion, and how does conversion apply to me. Each talk was followed by a discussion on a set of questions.  The Retreat closed with some comments and a blessing by Bishop Joseph M. Siegel.

The recording of the Retreat is a YouTube video and is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/dhSBDqiA2EM

The DCCS is grateful to the Buffalo Trace Council for use of its facility and equipment, and especially to Senior District Executive Abigail Roberts, who was the technical director for the virtual session and the recording. 

This is the design for the patch that retreat participants are receiving. Photo courtesy of the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting