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Mission Statement of

the National Catholic Committee on Scouting®

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) is a church committee of concerned Catholic lay people and clergy who see as their mission the constructive use of the program of the Boy Scouts of America as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic youth of our nation.

The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts of America, seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in the United States.

Through interaction and dialogue with the Secretariat on the Laity and Family Life (the formal connection between youth ministry in the United States and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), NCCS works cooperatively with various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.

The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (DCCS) works with the local diocese and BSA council(s) to promote and enhance Catholic faith formation while upholding the promise of "Duty to God" in the scouting program.

Bishop Pepe Presented Silver Beaver

As Scouters assembled at the annual Las Vegas Area Council Silver Beaver dinner, it was apparent that all within the Catholic Scouting community were joyous that this honor was bestowed on Joseph A. Pepe, Bishop of Las Vegas. Before becoming Bishop, Explore Scout Pepe created many memories in his scouting life, Ordained Priest Fr. Pepe was a supporter of scouting, as Msgr. Pepe, scouting service continued with presence at the Philmont Training Center of the Boy Scouts of America and today Bishop Pepe is active as a Board Member of the LVAC and Annual Scout Mass.

Fr. Steve Hoffer stood beside Bishop Pepe for the presentation while Fr. Ron Zanoni was present to share in the recognition.

St. George Trek - July 20-August 5, 2009 - Philmont - Cimarron, NM

Miguel Lopez and Jessica Wattenbarger
will represent the Diocese of Las Vegas on the 2009 St. George Trek

The 2009 Saint George Trek begins on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the participants meet get to know one another, train, have fun and pray. Then it's off to Philmont Scout Ranch where they will hike the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Rocky Mountains. While hiking, they will experience a program that is designed to encourage the integration of morality, values, spirituality, faith and scripture in their lives as Christian leaders. Before returning home on August 5, 2009, they will be asked to commit themselves to bring what they have learned home to their respective dioceses where they can become effective peer leaders and role models for their fellow scouts.

More about Diocesan Catholic Committee
on Scouting

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St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Youth

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2010 Annual Scout Emblems Mass "Save the Date"

Families Celebrate Youth
at Scout Mass With Bishop Pepe

Families “Celebrate Youth” at the 26th annual Scout Mass with the Bishop on February 28, 2009 at St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Henderson. During the religious emblem presentation by Bishop Pepe, Marie Simons, CCS Chair and Fr. Tom Gallenbach, CCS Chaplain, parents were given the medal to pin on the recipient after the youth was introduced to the bishop by Fr. Steve Hoffer. This change from past presentations gave the family an opportunity to be part of the honor bestowed for dedication and competition of the sacramental workbook Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei and Ad Altare Dei.

Bishop Joseph Pepe concelebrated the liturgy with Fr. Thomas Gallenbach, Scout Chaplain, Fr. Ron Zanoni, Administrator at St. Peter’s, Parochial Vicar: Rev. Mugagga Lule ,Affiliated Clergy : Rev. Don Casey (Homebound Ministry) and Rev. Steve Hoffer of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Music for the mass was provided by members of the parish music ministry under the direction of Directors of Music, Ken and Ellen Lerum. Parish preparation for and assistance spanned 2008-9 with help from Administrative Assistant Kim Boucher, Director of Religious Education Camille Stoeckinger and Head Sacristan John Goebert, his wife Gloria and the ushers. Altar servers from the parish were joined by Scouts from the diocese included Jessica and Joseph Wattenbarger, Victoria and Christopher Alesandrini and Christine Shelton.

DCCS Adult and Youth members prepared for the mass sharing their time, talents and treasures. Matthew McGroarty spoke from the altar with introductions and instructions. Chairs included Tony Padovano; ushers, Dave Haag; Photographer, Isabel Lopez; photo sales and Helen-Margaret Shelton; Registration. They and their assistances are representative of great volunteers. The presence of clergy, along with the many faces of volunteers were shining examples of our service to God and Family. Focus is given to the recipients, however, gratitude to the many hands that go unnamed does not make their importance any less.

Parishes represented by youth were Our Lady of Las Vegas, Our Lady of the Skies, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, St. Peter the Apostle, St. Thomas More and St. Viator.