April 1, 2011
Over 180 scouts, leaders participate in diocesan retreat
Bill Noll assists Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger as he presents the St. Dominic Savio emblem to Keegan Stratton of Troop 393 in St. Wendel. (Message photo by Tim Weisling) Click for a larger version.
By JOSEPH DICKINSON (Secretary, Diocesan Catholic Commission on Scouting)
The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (DCCS) held the annual Boy Scout Retreat the first weekend in Lent (March 11-13) at St. Meinrad Archabbey. The theme was the papal youth theme for 2011: “Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in Faith” (Col 2:7).
Over 180 scouts and adult leaders were in attendance to enjoy the setting and hospitality of the monks of the Abbey as well as good weather provided by the Lord. The scouts were able to carry out their regular program despite some changes in building usage because of the new construction in certain sections. They were still able to sleep in the gyms and have their meals in the dining hall.
There was a wide variety to the program in both activities and liturgy. There were talks and small group discussion related to the theme.
Principal speakers were Steve Dabrowski, director of the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and Brian Emmick and Jeff Read, seminarians from the Evansville Diocese.
The final speaker was Benedictine Brother Matthew Mattingly, a monk from St. Meinrad.
Other activities included the making of a rosary, using beads, cord and a small cross. There was an opening campfire with a torchlight procession. On Saturday afternoon the weather permitted a unique outdoor physical exercise with a spiritual theme which was enjoyed by all. There were free-time activities of dodge ball, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee. There were songs including the theme song “Seed, Scattered and Sown.”
The presider for the Saturday morning Mass was Father John Breidenbach who did a “straw Mass” giving an explanation of the different parts of the celebration. The Angelus and Liturgy of the Hours were done at the appropriate times during the day. On Saturday night there was an enrollment in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with an outdoor candlelight procession, reconciliation with the monks as confessors, and Benediction with Deacon Charles Koressel.
The retreat closed with Mass with Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger on Sunday morning. His attendance at the closing Mass has been a yearly tradition since he became bishop. With some sadness he pointed out that this may be his last Mass for the retreat because of the uncertainty of when his retirement will become final. The DCCS has greatly appreciated his interest in the Retreat, support of the DCCS, and his contribution to Scouting nationwide.
Bishop Gettelfinger also presented awards to scouts and leaders. A number of scouts received the national religious emblem, Ad Altare Dei, and the local emblem for older scouts, St. Dominic Savio. Part of the requirement for the latter emblem is to help in putting on the retreat. Those earning the emblem this year and from previous years were important in the overall success of the re-treat.
Earning the local adult emblem, the Bronze Pelican, this year were: Matthew Pund, St. Mary Church, Huntingburg; Tina Krebsbach, St. John the Baptist Church, Newburgh; Rose Lubbehusen, St. Ferdinand Church, St. Ferdinand; and Ann Holland, Holy Rosary Church, Evansville.
Those who received the national emblem, St. George, for more extensive service as youth ministers were Thomas Loveridge of Christ the King Church in Evansville, Amy Hall of Holy Rosary Church in Evansville, and Kathy Sergesketter of Resurrection Church in Evansville.