LAKE CHARLES — The Bishop’s Brunch for Religious Emblems Recognition was held Saturday, March 7, at the Knights of Columbus Hall of Council 4562 of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. The awards presentation, hosted by the Catholic Committee on Scouting in the Diocese of Lake Charles, recognizes worthy scouts who completed the National Catholic Committee on Scouting requirements to earn a religious emblem.
Bishop Glen John Provost, assisted by Reverend Trey Ange, Chaplain for Catholic Committee on Scouting, presented the awards. Kristina Lounsberry, committee chair, welcomed the scouts, their parents and guests, and Scott Lounsberry served as master of ceremonies. Father Ange prayed the Invocation and Blessing before the meal.
Youth awards included God is Love, Light of Christ, Parvuli Dei, and Pope Pius XII, while adult recognition featured the Bronze Pelican and St. George medals, with special recognition for the Scout Chaplain.
In addition to these honors, the inaugural Richard Roy Tireless Servant Award was instituted in memory of Mr. Roy, who had a “servant’s heart” throughout his life with more than 40 years as a leader of Boy Scouts of America Troop 107. He passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 21 at the age of 71. The Catholic Committee on Scouting wanted to recognize one adult and one youth who attempt to exhibit the type of energy Mr. Roy had for the scouts. The award emphasizes how cherished Mr. Roy was to Troop 107 as well as recognizing people in the community who go above and beyond.
In a moving tribute to Mr. Roy, scout and vocalist Aaron Tanner sang “On My Honor” before the award was presented.
The first Richard Roy Tireless Servant Award for adults was given to Lisa Piatt. In presenting the award, Scott Lounsberry praised Piatt for her energy, positive attitude and the opportunities she provides for her unit, while making it fun. She is someone who never says no.
The first youth recipient of the Tireless Servant Award is Evan Alderson.
Receiving the God is Love award were Addy Fey Murphy, Rosalie Darbonne, Mary LeFleur and Jude Youssef. The God is Love program, designed for use with students who are in kindergarten or first grade, helps students discover an appreciation that God created, cares for, and loves us all.
Earning the Light of Christ Religious Emblem were Maxwell Proksch and Evan Lewis.
The Light of Christ program was developed by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) for Cub Scouts and Tiger Cubs of the Catholic faith. Its purpose is to have scouts develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a real person and friend. This type of relationship will help them better understand and appreciate Christ’s love and concern. In order to receive the Light of Christ emblem, the scout must complete all requirements before starting the third grade.
Those earning the Parvuli Dei emblem were Mason Castille, Evan Lewis, and Gage Bailey.
Parvuli Dei (Children of God) is a program developed by the NCCS for Bear and Webelos Cub Scouts of the Catholic faith for advancement in religious knowledge and spiritual formation. Its purpose is to help young scouts explore a wide range of activities in order to discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of a family and parish. The program also helps to develop a positive self-image through the contributions they can make to the group or community.
The Pope Pius XII emblem was presented to Colby Piatt. The Pope Pius XII religious emblem program was developed by the NCCS for male and female members of the Boy Scouts of America of the Catholic faith who have started the ninth grade. It serves as Catholic Scouting’s church-related ministries and vocation program dealing with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries in the church as calls from God. It includes youth led discussions on current issues facing the church and society. This program takes 8-12 months to complete.
Bronze Pelican honorees were Carol Jo Schultz, Cassie Gage, and Frank “Flash” Williams. The award recognizes individuals in local dioceses for their significant contributions and may be given to Catholic laity, clergy, religious or those of another faith who have been supportive of Catholic scouting.
Receiving the St. George emblem were Scott Willis and Scott Lounsberry, often referred to as the “dynamic duo” for Troop 107. The St. George emblem, a NCCS award, honors adults for outstanding contribution to the spiritual development of Catholic youth in the program of the Boy Scouts of America in the Diocese.
Father Ange was presented with a custom-made chaplain stole by the Catholic Committee on Scouting in special recognition for his commitment and leadership to Troop 107.
Bishop Provost offered the Benediction at the conclusion of the program.
Members of the Catholic Committee on Scouting for the Diocese of Lake Charles are: Father Ange, chaplain; Kristina Lounsberry, chairman; Lannie Fuselier, vice chair; Shawn Chamblee, Boy Scouts of America representative; Jimmy Berry, treasurer; Marty Berry, secretary; Scott Lounsberry, Scott Willis, Amanda Cahilog, Susan Fontenot, John Halloran, Danella Taylor, Amanda Saltzman, Floyd Saltzman, Cassie Gage, Tracy Kerlin, Rebecca Turner, Chantal Castille, and Jacob “Timbo” Fontenot.
