There are some parts of my job that are just so cool.  (Actually, truth be told, there are lots of those parts!)  Today was one of them.  I attended the 36th annual Religious Awards Ceremony for the Catholic Committee on Scouting in the Diocese of Buffalo.  Scouting is one form of youth ministry in our diocese, and our department is happy to support and work with the Diocesan Catholic Committee to encourage and foster Catholic scouting in our diocese.

I was so impressed to see all the scouts, their families and their leaders gathered at St. Joseph Cathedral this morning for this ceremony.  Congratulations to the 110 young men and women who received at least one of these awards, and especially to the six young people who received the Bishop's Scouting Award!  You are good news for our diocese!

Truly, Scouting - especially through the religious emblems programs - is youth ministry!  We celebrate and give thanks for all that Catholic Scouting brings to our diocese and for all the young lives touched by scouting.