SCOUT SUNDAY

The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910, based on the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was added to the Scout celebration in the middle 1940s. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8th, unless the 8th is a Sunday, in which case the 8th would be Scout Sunday. The Saturday following February 8th is Scout Sabbath.

The Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in houses of worship aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out their "Duty to God" pledged each week.

The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their "Duty to God". These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith.

The purpose of this activity is to assist parishes who are not presently celebrating the anniversary of Scouting with their Scouting families and wish add a "Scout Sunday" service. Parishes who already celebrate the lives of their Scouting families may find the information helpful to enhance their present liturgy.

 

Pre-plan

Planning Scout Sunday activities, an overview of the recommended planning activities.

  • Secure approval from the Pastor
  • Work with the Parish Planning Committee
  • Music (Based on the readings and the season)
  • Calendar event and pre-meetings
  • Many parishes have Scout/Scouters in units outside the parish

Advertise

  • Notify your Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting
  • Scout Uniforms (Shirt, Pants, and/or Hats)
  • Recognitions to be presented at Mass
  • Role of the Scout/Scouter:
    • Eucharist minister, Altar servers, Lectors, Gift Bearers, Musicians & Singers

Scout Sunday Activities

  • Display Area
  • Highlight activities that are done by Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts/Crew Members of the parish. Pictures, drawings, news articles for display.
  • Liturgy with uniformed youth and adults in lay roles (e.g. ushers, acolytes, alter servers, gift bearers, lectors, readers, greeters). Scouts and Scouters processing should be in their dress uniform.
  • Homily on youth and the ideals of Scouting programs

Time Outline

  • Set date of Observance with Unit Leaders, Parish Liturgy and Planning Committees, Other Organizations and Sponsors of Scouting
  • Begin planning meetings 6 months prior to the event
  • Submit announcements in the parish bulletin 2 months before the Liturgy
  • Three weeks before Observance announce in the parish bulletin the need for youth and adult support through their attendance. Reconfirm the details of the liturgy with all contact members.
  • Rehearse with all participants in the Liturgy the day before the event
  • Day of Observance assemble 30 minutes or more before the liturgy, set up displays and secure all final co-ordinations.
  • Reflect on the Scriptures and Scouting Connections.
  • Focus for Liturgy preparations: Scheduled or Special Liturgy.

Evaluate the Liturgy

December 27 2008