National Catholic Committee formed in 1914

CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS RECOGNITIONS HISTORY

“Since 1912 when Cardinal Gibbons first endorsed the work of Girl Scouts, Girls Scouts and the Catholic Church have had a mutually beneficial history. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops wishes to reiterate its ongoing support for the outstanding work Girl Scouts of the USA does for young people.”
— an excerpt from a letter to the Girl Scouts of the USA by Archbishop John L. May, president emeritus of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/ United States Catholic Conference

It all started when...

Girl Scouts have long been supported by the Catholic Church in the United States as a form of youth ministry. In the Archdiocese of San Antonio, both Boy Scout and Girl Scout programs received a strong impetus for growth in the 1940s during the early years of Archbishop Robert E. Lucey’s episcopacy.

Msgr. Robert Schmidt was assigned the responsibility of forming and directing the two initial Catholic Committees on Scouting in the Archdiocese of San Antonio. In 1947, when the Office of Youth Ministry was formed, the scouting programs along with the CYO Sports Program became the first two services provided by the newly created office. From the beginning to the present, the Office of Youth Ministry and its directors have a history of setting a strong foundation and challenge to continued growth in the best interest of young people.

Adults who serve Catholic Girl Scouts are eligible for two national awards: The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal recognizes and honors those adults who serve in a role with Catholic Girl Scout programs for at least 3 consecutive years. The St. Anne Medal, which is the highest recognition, recognizes outstanding service to the Catholic Girl Scout program and a minimum of 7 consecutive years of service. For nomination forms and award presentation information, contact us at catholicgs@gmail.com.

SCOUTING AS

YOUTH MINISTRY

Girl Scouts, because its founding is based upon spiritual principles, is a valuable asset for the Church’s ministry with children and youth. Girl Scout troops are excellent vehicles for:  evangelization as an outreach ministry; leadership development for both adults and young people; service to church and society; the development of a meaningful relationship in a caring community; and fostering growth in the Catholic faith through religious recognition programs.

Additional information on Catholic Girl Scouts or opportunities to volunteer, participate or lead may be obtained by contacting the Catholic Committee on Girl Scouting at catholicgs@gmail.com.