Dear Girl Scout Leaders and Friends,

          The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry sponsors some wonderful opportunities for you to assist your Brownie Girl Scouts and older Girl Scouts in their personal faith development.  The following Religious Recognitions are sponsored through the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry for the youth you serve:

 a.       "THE FAMILY OF GOD" targets Girl Scout and Camp Fire members, ages 7-9, (Grades 2-3).  This Recognition helps children explore a wide range of activities to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish.  A Guide for Parents and Adult Advisors is included.

 b.      "I LIVE MY FAITH" is designed to enable Girl Scout or Camp Fire members, ages 9-11 (Grades 4-6) to better understand the place of God and religion in their daily lives.  Candidates increase their self-awareness through action-oriented activities which support their formal religious education.  Special Notes for Parents and an Adult Guide are included.

 c.       "MARY, THE FIRST DISCIPLE" is written for youth ages 12-15 to enable them to "proclaim the greatness of the Lord".  It features reflective actions in understanding Mary as the model of openness and spirituality  a woman of the Church.  Youth develop a Christian spirit of hope and faith in expanding their concept of a joyful Christian community. A Guide for Parents and Adult Advisors is available for purchase.

d.      "THE SPIRIT ALIVE" program is designed for Catholic youth in high school who are in their Senior level of Girl Scouting or are Horizon Club members of Camp Fire.  It assists them in discovering how the Holy Spirit moves in their lives, calling them to greater participation in the Church's ministry.  An Adult Guide is also available for purchase.  This Recognition takes approximately one year to complete.

             Project books for all Religious Recognitions may be purchased through the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry -- all youth books cost $10.00 each. All Adult Guides cost $5 each.  Please order books promptly, and allow two weeks for delivery.

Each participant needs one book.  However, if there are two girls in the same family, they may share a book.  Duplicate copies of the Recognition application (located in the booklet) must be submitted for sisters.  We strongly recommend that each Troop Leader tear out the Recognition applications in the back of the booklets prior to handing them out to the Girl Scouts, and keep them until they are needed at the end of the process. This avoids any problems later in the year with locating misplaced booklets. 

 The Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry also sponsors the following Religious Recognitions for ADULTS working with the Girl Scout program.  Recipients are chosen by a Selection Committee convened by the Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry.  A resumé application can be obtained here.

 a.   "THE ST. ANNE MEDAL" is the highest National Recognition for adults who serve Catholic youth through girls'/boys/ organizations.  A minimum of 7 years active service to youth is required. 

b.  "THE ELIZABETH ANN SETON MEDAL" honors the meritorious contributions of adults who serve Catholic youth through girls' and/or boys' organizations.  A minimum of 3 years active service to youth is required.

 It is not necessary to receive these adult recognitions in sequence.  That is, you can receive the St. Anne Medal without receiving the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal.

All Recognitions will be presented at the annual Diocesan Boy Scout/Girl Scout Awards Ceremony which will take place on February 28, 2010, at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville.  Details will be provided to Troop Leaders upon approval of the Recognition.

             All youth and adult applications for recognition must be submitted to the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, prior to January 15, 2010, and signed by the appropriate individuals.  If you are aware of other leaders of Catholic Girl Scout Troops in your community, please share this information with them, or ask them to contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (618) 235-9601 #146.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        COLETTE A. KENNETT

                                                                        Vice-Chairperson for Girl Scouts

                                                                        Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting

Enclosures:    Recognition Booklet Order Form

                           Supplemental Booklet Order Form

                           Nomination for the St Anne Medal

                           Girl Scout Renewal Day Information

                                                    Brownie Registration Form

                                                    Junior Cadette Registration Form