St. George National Recognition
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting®, acting through the Diocese of Erie, may award the St. George emblem to members of the laity and clergy, Scouters and non-Scouters alike, who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting.
The recipients of the emblem are to be sought after and selected by an active committee of the Diocese of Erie. This committee is to be newly-appointed each year by the diocesan Scout chaplain or chairperson.
Nomination forms should give a detailed description of how the nominee provides outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youths through Scouting in the Catholic Church. It is improper to nominate oneself or one’s spouse.
General Scouting achievements do not qualify a person to receive the St. George emblem. The Boy Scouts of America has district, council, regional and national awards for such recognition.
Purpose:
- The purpose of the St. George Emblem is to recognize the recipient’s outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America.
Eligibility:
- Any adult who is working in the Scouting Program.
- May be given to clergy, religious, laity, or Scouters of other faiths.
- A Scouter does not earn the St. George emblem but is recommended by application to a board of review by another person.
Guidelines for nomination and selection:
- Promoting the religious emblems programs for Catholic youths or serving as a counselor, moderator or coordinator. Encouraging non-Catholic youths to participate in the religious emblems programs of their own faiths.
- Giving notable service in promoting Catholic activities and service projects for the church and being willing to serve on committees for those purposes.
- Actively participating in and promoting Scout retreats and days of recollection.
- Giving notable service in organizing and maintaining Catholic-chartered Scouting units including multiple units where needed.
- Giving notable service in bringing the Catholic program to those youths not in Catholic-chartered Scouting units.
- Using fully one’s general Scouter training as well as “National Catholic Leadership Development” to provide an outstanding Catholic Scouting program for youths.
- Arranging opportunities for Mass and other Catholic worship services at camporees and summer camps. These must be consistent with the documents of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Providing also for the spiritual needs of non-Catholic Scouts.
- Encouraging appropriate ecumenism and Catholic leadership within the various Catholic-chartered Scouting units.
- Using the Catholic press and other communications media to create a better understanding of the aims and ideals of Scouting as an apostolate to youths.
- Educating clergy and laity about Scouting as a youth apostolate in the Catholic Church.
- Giving leadership in promoting Scouting for all youths regardless of race or creed. Helping organize Scouting units for minority and disadvantaged youths.
Presentation:
- The emblem is usually presented at a Scout Award Mass, Adult Recognition Dinner or Bishop’s Dinner.
- Adults who receive this recognition are also entitled to wear a BSA Religous Knot over their left pocket. Please consult with your local Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting to determine how knots are presented in your area. If they are not presented with the St. George recognition, then they can be purchased at your local BSA Council Service Center Scout Shop with proof that the adult received the recognition.