Catholic Scouting Units
Regarding the article featuring the Troops of St. George (Nov. 9 edition), I wanted to clear up any misunderstanding that was inferred regarding Boy Scouts of America, particularly when it relates to a Catholic unit. When a parish charters a BSA Scouting Unit, then the pastor has authority of the direction and leadership of that unit. The pastor, often acting through his appointed Chartered Organization Representative, can ensure that the unit incorporates Catholic teaching and that its trained leaders are themselves practicing Catholics. Scouting does not force any ideals that are counter to Catholic teaching on Catholic units. Scouting remains a viable avenue of youth ministry, in addition to the long-established tradition of training and developing future leaders. The BSA has a long relationship with the Catholic Church, especially here in Minnesota. (The very first Catholic Scouting Unit in the U.S. was at St. Mark’s in St. Paul and started back in 1910.)
Patrick Reardon, chair, Archdiocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, accs.archspm@gmail.com
