Religious Emblems are an opportunity for Scouts to deepen their faith and understanding of Our Lord. Each emblem has specific goals designed to grow closer to God in the spirit of Scouting.
Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei are designed for the Cub and his parent or guardian to work together (each Cub must have his own Activity Book, which may be obtained from the Scout Shop). Because these are faith growth programs, it is recommended that the steps be spread over several weeks. This will help the Cub understand that this is a long-term commitment, not a one-time project. Completed applications should be sent to Melvin Hart at the above address.
Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII are designed for the Scout/Venturer to work with a DCCS-trained Emblems Counselor (contact Deacon Tim Hartnett to find a trained counselor near you). Each Scout/Venturer must have his own book, which may be obtained from the Scout Shop. AAD programs generally start in the spring prior to the end of the school year; PPXII programs generally start at the beginning of the school year. Both programs finish with a Lock-In Board of Review in early January. Awards are presented in early February.
Cub Scouts
The purpose of the Light of Christ program is to help Tiger and Wolf Cubs develop a personal relationship with Jesus. With the parents' active assistance and participation in this program, it is hoped that the Cub will come to see Jesus as a real person and his friend.
Click here to purchase Light of Christ emblems/parent pins upon program completion.
The purpose of the Parvuli Dei (Children of God) program is to help Bear and Webelos Cubs explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their families and parishes, and also to develop a good, positive self-image through the contributions they can make to the group or community.
Click here for more information; click here to purchase Parvuli Dei emblems/parent pins upon program completion.
Boy Scouts
The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (To the Altar of God) program is to help Roman Catholic Scouts develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. The program is organized in chapters based on the seven Sacraments. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth.
Click here for more information.
The Light is Life program was developed for Boy Scouts of the Eastern Catholic churches. Light is Life respects the cultural and ritual differences among the various Eastern Catholic Churches.
The overall goal of the Light is Life program is to bring about in the Scout, through his Eastern Christian Scouting experience, a deeper awareness of his share in faith-life. Then going forth, he will witness this life through maturity in communal worship and in Christian formation of his world.
Boy Scouts/Venturers
The purpose of the Pope Pius XII program is to help Boy Scouts and Venturers examine how being a Christian affects daily life in a real world, to challenge them to evaluate their own personal talents and abilities, and to give them an opportunity to share faith and practice their religion among peers. The Pope Pius XII program deals with church-related ministries and vocations (single, married, ordained).
The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston also has specific guidelines for Religious Emblem applicants and counselors.
For more information, please also read the Q & A section.