National Catholic Scout Fellowship ‘...actively supporting Catholics in Scouting Happy Easter
The Link. National Catholic Scout Fellowship Page
Spring 2011—Number 200
Officer Details… Page 3 Resources… Page 3 Bishop Richard’s Thoughts… Pages 4 & 5 Official Statement… Page 5 Chairman’s Thoughts… Pages 6 to 7 Founder’s Day Mass… Pages 8 & 9 Obit—Maeiraid Mount… Page 10 World Youth Day… Page 10 Membership Form and Gift Aid Form… Pages 11 & 12 News from Clifton Guild… Page 13 Notice Board… Pages 14 & 15 International Scouting… Pages 16 to 19 National Chaplain… Pages 20 to 21 CIGS Update… Page 22 CISG Contacts… Page 23 Centenary Prayer...Page 24
Gift Aid If you are making any donations to the NCSF or paying a membership fee (Groups do not qualify for this) then why not make it ‘Gift Aided’ It is quite simple if you pay tax then the Inland Revenue will give the NCSF 28p back for every £1.00 paid. See enclosed form! Until 5th April 2011.
Exec Meetings -
Saturday, 9th July, same time same place.
AGM - 21 - 23 OCTOBER 2011
The views and opinions expressed in articles in this publication are solely those of the authors and not the Scout Association. They are intended for the consideration of the readership and in particular the members of the NCSF. Page 2 Spring 2011 Issue
Chairman Secretary Margaret M H McDowall Patsy Warren ‘Kilpheder’ 12 Cleves Crescent 45 Scotby Avenue Cheslyn Hay Chatham Staffordshire Kent WS6 7LR ME5 8ER 01922-413489 01634 307335 [email protected]
Treasurer National RC Chaplain Patrick Warren Fr. John Seddon 12 Cleves Crescent 165 Liverpool Road Cheslyn Hay Crosby Staffordshire Liverpool WS6 7LR L23 0QN 01922-413489 0151 949 1782 [email protected] [email protected]
Link Editor: Fr David Lannon Email: [email protected]
A selection of resource material is available from the NCSF Badge Secretary to ease the work of Catholics in Scouting. They can be obtained from the following address.
These are available from: Ki-Ro Items Want to see what you are Ann Ingleby going get? 14 Rangers Walk 38mm badges 53p Etching Hill 50mm badges 65p A catalogue of all the items Rugeley Woggles £1.25 available will be shortly be Staffs viewable and downloadable WS15 2NA The New Pin Badge £1 from the website. This should make it easier for you Tel: 01889 585345 ICCS Centenary badges to order items. price £1.50
The Link. National Catholic Scout Fellowship Page 3
Thoughts from a Bishop new to Scouting...
It was a real pleasure for me to be welcomed into the Scouting World at the recent Fellowship Mass at St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark and I am grateful, too, for this little opportunity to introduce myself as the new Liaison Bishop for the Catholic Scout Fellowship in England & Wales.
My ministry as a priest has been carried out in South London. In Clapham Park, where I was posted after Ordination, Scouting was a serious business, with regular Church parades. Following my time in Canada, I served in Lewisham for five years. Here I found myself chaplain to the Brownies. The pack was a large one and benefitted from very enthusiastic leadership. Then, for seventeen years, I served at Archbishop’s House, Southwark, first as Private Secretary to the Archbishop and, latterly, as Vicar General .
In 2009, the Holy Father appointed me Bishop of the Armed Forces and I am now privileged to serve the Catholic community across the three services.
My knowledge of scouting is a little sketchy, I have to admit. I was a Wolf Cub – that will give a clue as to my age – and enjoyed that experience very much indeed. However, I never found myself with an opportunity to further the scouting career. I did learn some field craft, however, as a member of the Combined Cadet Force and have spent many happy days walking in Wales and Scotland – winter and summer. When studying Canon Law in Canada, I took to Cross-Country Skiing and was able to carry this pursuit on in Norway and Scotland. I have a great love of Horse Riding and did, for a while, have the real joy of owning my own horse. 2012 might find me at Greenwich for the Equestrian side of the Olympics – as a spectator, of course!!
Scouting has a very special place in the life of this country and, I firmly believe, provides many good opportunities for our Catholic scouts to grow in Faith and Service of others. We are blessed to
Page 4 Spring 2011 Issue
have sound leadership within the Catholic Scouting Fellowship here in England & Wales and Bishop Edwin Regan has given wonderful support to everyone in recent years. There is much for which to give thanks.
I look forward to being with you all over the time ahead and sharing something of your Scouting experience as together we grow in Faith and in Service of others.
With every Blessing,
Official Statement on ‘My Body My Choice’...
“The Scout Association has published the resources My Body, My Choice in response to requests from members. The recognition given in the document to the place of abstinence in combating the problems of STIs and teenage pregnancy is welcomed. We also appreciate that Scouting recognises the importance of the religious beliefs of young people and the wishes of their parents regarding the formation being offered.
The Scout Association, along with the publication of My Body My Choice, is also making available a teaching document, Cherishing Human Sexuality which sets out Catholic teaching in this area, and draws on the Bishop’s Conference document Cherishing Life . Cherishing Sexuality will further an appreciation of the Gospel of life, which is at the heart of the Church’s understanding of human relationships.”
+Richard
Bishop Moth has also sent this to the Catholic Communications Network at the Bishops’ Conference.
The Link. National Catholic Scout Fellowship Page 5 The Chairman’s thoughts...
February was a really good month for us as we had the biggest turnout ever for our annual mass at St Geroge’s Cathedral in Southwark London. As you will see we gave Bishop Edwin a rousing send off and a hearty welcome to our new link Bishop, Bishop Richard Moth, who is also Bishop of the Forces
We took part in an event called ‘Active-8’ put on by Kent County Scouts in Maidstone. We were the only Faith Group represented there and it was surprising how many people were not aware of our presence or, for that matter, of any other Faith Fellowships. It was good to meet so many people and let them know of our existence. The event was an opportunity for Kent Scouters to visit and glean ideas and information from a variety of sources. We have also been invited to take part in the Kent Scouts International Jamboree, along with other Faith representatives, in 2013. We can only offer help if people know of our existence, so please tell your fellow scouters about us.
By the time you receive this edition of ‘The Link’ you will have seen in the media about the new Scout Headquarters initiative ‘My Body, My Choice’. Can I direct you to our Website www.catholicsinscouting.org.uk where you will be able to see our document ‘Catholics in Scouting and Cherishing Human Sexuality’
This gives the Catholic Church’s teaching on this subject. As a parent, albeit a very old one, I do not think it is the responsibility of the Scout Association to be going down this particular path. It is a path fraught with many dangers. Not all Scout Leaders think the same on this matter and as a practising Catholic I am sure that the advice I would have to give, if in that position, would not concur with the Scout Association’s view point, especially on the more sensitive parts of the document. Life and our bodies are a very precious commodity and should not be treated otherwise. As St Paul says, “Our bodies are temple of the Holy Spirit” and that is how they should remain. Fr John has stated in his report that we will be working on a resource that is in line with the teaching of the Church.
We now have the date for our AGM. It is a residential one based at the De Vere Hotel at Cheadle in Manchester. The theme of the weekend is “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith." (Colossians 2:7) (Providing the Faith in our sectional scouting programmes). We also plan to have a report and presentation from our young people who will be taking part in World Youth Day in Madrid.
If you are asking why have we chosen an hotel the answer is that we could not find any religious house who could accommodate us at the time we wanted, also the facilities they were offering were not of the standard we would want for our members to; i.e. some could only offer single rooms and very few could offer en- suite also their prices were no cheaper than the deal we have got from the De Vere Hotel. The accommodation here is first rate with all rooms being en-suite
Page 6 Spring 2011 Issue and easy access for those who have difficulties with stairs etc. We will have the use of our own conference room with breakfast and refreshments supplied all day ending with an evening meal and lunch on the Sunday. The AGM will take place on the Sunday morning and will be followed by Mass, the day concludes with Lunch. If you look at the details you will see there is also a day rate. Do try to come and join us for this event.
This should prove to be a very interesting weekend and we have subsidised the event in order to encourage more young people to come. If you are an Explorer Scout, and would like to join us, but feel the cost is too much do contact us and we will see if we can offer you more help. Our future lies in our young people and we would like to encourage as many of you as possible to come and join us. Please give this weekend some thought we would love to see you. We have booked 20 places on a first come first served basis!
Where are all our young and active Explorer and Network Scouts? We have an opportunity that should not be missed. The World Youth Day in Madrid is going to be a talking point for many months after the event. As I have said many times before ‘not everyone can go to the Jamboree’ but here is an opportunity for you to mix with young people from all over the world with the same beliefs as you. The cost is nowhere as expensive as the Jamboree and the distance not too far either, so please look at our website and give it a thought But you had better be quick though for time is running out. Those who take part in this activity will be invited, as our guests, to join us for the AGM in October.
I was at the recent CIGS meeting where there was a discussion on the lack of prayers, even at faith sponsored groups, at the beginning and end of meetings. It does beg the question where is God in your Scout Group, if at all. I know that we have a prayer book with prayers that would be suitable for beginning and ending meetings from Beavers to Explorer Scouts. It is a good resource and we also have prayer cards that can help.
I know that when I was first involved in running a Cub Pack we encouraged our young Cubs to write their own prayers and made them into a book, which was used mostly to close our meeting. The children felt ownership and of course it went toward badge work. So please don’t let God be a stranger in your Colony, Pack or Troop, invite Him to join you!
Finally may I add my congratulations to Bishop Edwin who, it has just been announced, has been admitted to the Brotherhood of St George; an award from the International Conference of Catholic Scouting (ICCS). A fitting award for a Bishop who helped us to put our case to the Scout Association with regard to our title earlier this year. Well done Bishop Edwin! To my knowledge there are only six other Catholic Scouters in the UK who have been given this award. However if you know different do let me know. Margaret. The Link. National Catholic Scout Fellowship Page 7
Founder’s Day Mass...
It was really good to see so many young Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides at our special Mass to celebrate Scouting on 13th February this year.
There were over 300 young people and leaders at this Mass, the best attendance ever. We were privileged to have Archbishop Peter Smith as the main celebrant with Bishops Howard, Edwin and Richard along with our national chaplain and other sponsoring authority chaplains concelebrating. Our Altar servers came from various Scout Groups and members of the Scout and Guide movement also read the readings and bidding prayers.
At this Mass we presented Bishop Edwin, our outgoing Liaison Bishop, with the ICCS Medal in recognition of all the work he had done for us over his time as part of the NCSF.
Fr John Seddon was also awarded the Brotherhood of St George from the International Conference of Catholic Scouting (ICCS). This is a very prestigious award and is not given lightly. Fr John had been for nine years the European Chaplain to the ICCS and this award was in recognition of all the work he had done for them while in this role.
Our Treasurer, Patrick Warren was also presented with his 30 years award, it is good to have your scouting service recognised and it was well deserved. We also invested two leaders from the 13 th Medway Towns, St Michael’s Scout Group and finally we welcomed Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop Edwin successor, to the NCSF It really
Page 8 Spring 2011 Issue
was a mass full of celebration and, as far as I am aware, was the only national celebration of our Founders Birthday.
This is the fourth year we have celebrated Founders day in this way and as I said with over 300 in attendance, it can only get better. Can I ask you to make a note in your diaries for 2012 – 12th February 1500hrs, St George’s Cathedral Southwark? You can always combine the day with a visit to the Imperial War Museum or any of the other free attractions in London. As we have young people coming from afar afield as Lancashire it would appear distance is no object.
In his final homily, Bishop Regan reminded the packed scouting congregation that by keeping the Scout Promise and Law, they follow a path of holiness: “...if we keep the Scout Promise and Law, we are well on the way to becoming saints!
You have all made a promise ...to keep the Scout Law. ...That’s a fantastic law – good enough even for a bishop! And it’s marvellous when you choose to keep it.”
He expressed his gratitude to all involved and assured the scouting movement of his continued prayers:
“I am so grateful to your Scouters and leaders who give you the fun of scouting. I thank Bishop Richard Moth for agreeing to be your special bishop. I appreciate the work of Fr. Seddon, your national chaplain, and all those in the Catholic Scout Fellowship. And Archbishop Peter for allowing us to come to his Cathedral, and celebrating Mass with us.”
Reminders will be sent out nearer the time and we will remind you in the LINK edition at Christmas.
The Link. National Catholic Scout Fellowship Page 9
Maeiraid Mount RIP...
It is with sadness that we announce the death, at a very early age, of a past member of our executive. Maeiraid was the daughter of Jim and Margaret McDowall (Chairman) and died on the 11 h March.
Maeiriad (Gaelic for Margaret) was a Beaver Leader with the 13 th Medway Towns, St Michael’s Scout Group. She was also instrumental in setting up a new catholic scout group in Chatham – 14 th Medway Towns St Simon’s.
For a while, until new leaders were in place, she ran two Beaver colonies one at St Michael’s and the other at St Simon’s She was a very dedicated leader and conveyed her enthusiasm to both children and leaders.
She was a member of the CSAC that later became NCSF and for a time served on the executive committee. She was part of the NCSF when we had our first joint conference with CIGS (Christians in Guiding and Scouting) at Durham when we all came together to celebrate the Millennium.
She was married and leaves behind her husband Kevin and her two daughters Eilidh and Shona. Our prayers and condolences go to her family and parents.
World Youth Day 2011...
To register time is getting late so please go to the website, download the application formand send with the necessary £50 payment made payable to the National Catholic Scout Fellowship to Simon Morley, World Youth Day, 6 singleton Avenue, Read, Burnley, Lancashire BB12 7PJ Page 10 Spring 2011 Issue
NCSF Membership Application Form
Type of Membership (Please circle): Individual / Group
Name: Address:
Scout Group District County
Appointment:______
Membership Number: ______
Tel:______
Email:______
Do you have a current CRB Check: YES / NO If yes CRB Number______
Signed:______
I enclose a cheque for £____ made payable to NCSF Fees: Group £25, Individual £10 Please send to the Treasurer (see contacts page)
The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 11
NCSF Gift Aid Form
Please consider the value of Gift Aiding your membership fee to the benefit of Catholic Scouting .
For every pound donated to the NCSF we can reclaim 28p in tax. This means that for your £10 membership fee we can benefit by an extra £2.80.
Gift Aiding can also be accepted retrospectively - for a maximum of 6 years - so if you have not previously gift aided your membership fee you can do so now, enter the date in the box below.
I wish my membership fee to be considered as a donation to the National Catholic Scout Fellowship for Gift Aid Purposes.
I wish all donations from ______and/or all future donations to be Gift Aid until I notify you otherwise. (Delete as appropriate)
I confirm that I am a UK tax payer and that I paid tax to a value sufficient to cover the tax the NCSF will reclaim
Signed: ______
Print Name: ______
Dated: ______
Address: ______
______
______
______
Page 12 Spring 2011 Issue
News from Clifton...
I start first with a brief history of the Clifton Catholic Scout and Guide Guild
The Guild was founded in 1956 as a Scout Guild covering the whole of the Clifton Diocese with the stated aim of “Promoting the Catholic Ethos within Scouting, with our guiding principles being the “Observance of the Religious policies laid out in the Scouting POR and the teachings of the Church”
About 10 years on we became a joint Scout and Guide Guild maintaining the aims as promoting the Catholic Ethos in Scouting and Guiding” and very shockingly for that time ran joint activities including camps.
As a Guild we were very active in promoting the Ki-Ro system before it was replaced by the “My Faith Badge” which we now incorporate into our camps and other activities wherever possible.
We have very recently become an Scout Active Support unit with the Avon County Scouts having eventually ironed out the dual membership for the Guide representatives on the guild.
This year’s activities will include an Early summer camp in June for Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts with day visits from a few Rainbows. The theme of the camp – “Royal Wedding” of course but we are making it a Medieval Royal Wedding.
Then in October we will again have our annual activity day and Mass which is usually the highlight of the year.
Our association with the NCSF goes back to the formation of the Guild and my earliest memories was as a very young inexperienced Scout (Master) Leader with the 10 th Bristol (Holy Cross) Troop, taking part in what was called “Crusader 64” (yes held in 1964) and I still have the badge on my camp blanket. We attended a candle vigil at Gilwell, collected a message from the Pope at Coventry cathedral and ended at a two week camp at Liverpool’s Taud Vale Scout camp and some of the 10 th Bristol Scouts are still in touch with friends they made during this very exciting year.
Since then I have with the 42 nd Kingswood Scouts participated in some of the “Camp Patrol” camps organized by the Federation.
David Lane Chairman CCSandGG The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 13
Notice Board...
As ever can I remind you that this is your publication as well and that the more stories of Catholics in Scouting you send the more interesting and dynamic it become. Ed.
International Support Request...
I am with a Scout Troop in the US—I have a group who are working on their Ad Altare Dei religious emblem and will be going in to their Pope Pius when they are finished.
They are looking for a group of Catholic Scouts of all ages (21 and under) to correspond with via email or snail mail regarding the differences in Scouting Internationally. I would assume that your UK kids would then also qualify for that same recognition.
Is there a troop or leader who might be able to help us with this? I would greatly appreciate your help. You can reach me at this email at the church.
Thanks a bunch-Cathy Mahr Queen of the Holy Rosary. mailto:[email protected]
Edition Numbering...
By popular demand it has been suggested that we restart the tradition of numbering editions of ‘The Link’. Unfortunately due to various reasons it has been difficult to identify which edition this edition should actually be. Therefore I have numbered it edition 200.
However I am very happy if someone can put me straight on this as the count was lost with a number of temporary editors. In fact I would be very grateful if someone has copies of and editions of ‘The Link’ since the numbering stopped as we do not have archive copies.
Please let me know you have any of these or any other items you would like to place in our archives. Ed
Page 14 Spring 2011 Issue
Corrections..
Please note that the last issue of ‘The Link contained a minor error on the current error on the enclosed membership application form. It showed the old rates showing the wrong fees £20 instead of £25 and £5 instead of £10.
The new rates apply after approval at last years AGM. Sorry if it confused anybody. Unfortunately they’re right this time!
We also apologise to Paul Moniyhan unfortunately we made him member of the Committee of the Council, that is the trustee board of the Association. Instead he an elected member of the Council of the Association, i.e. that body which meets once a year to approve the annual report and appoint a Chief Scout and elect members of the Committee of the Council, etc.
Sorry for any embarrassment or confusion. Ed.
AGM 2011...
NATIONAL CATHOLIC SCOUT FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE and AGM 2011
De Vere Hotel
Cheadle Manchester
21 - 23 OCTOBER 2011 Cost double Room £100.0o p.p Single Room £120 p.p Day Delegates £35.00 p.p.
” Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith." (Colossians 2:7) (Providing the Faith in our sectional scouting programmes).
Please contact our Treasurer Mr P Warren 12, Cleves Crescent Cheslyn Hay, Staffs Telephone 01922 413489 e-mail [email protected] Deposit of £30.00 to Treasurer by 30 June 2011
The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 15
International Catholic Scouting...
Fr. Caesar Matovu is not your usual pastor. The priest, who has served in different ministries for more than thirty years, has a passion for working with youth. More so, he has a distinctive interest in scouts.
Recently, seeing there were groups of scouts associating along religious inclinations, he formed the fraternity of Catholic Scouts in Uganda. This followed his trip to Rome, Italy, in 2008, when he participated in the International Catholic Conference on Scouting. The conference had drawn delegates from across the world, representing their countries’ national Catholic committees on scouting - including our own Margaret and Jim McDowell
Inspired by them, he sought ways of promoting a similar group in Uganda. Lucky for him, the Kampala Archbishop had assigned him to the diocesan youth office, as a support chaplain particularly involved with Catholic Scouts and Xaverian Movement members.
According to him, scouting is an effective way to help Catholic children and youth to perform their Christian duties for church and country. It builds character and teaches commitment to God, in an environment that provides wholesome fun and education, under the guidance of strong committed adult role models. I have included Fr Caesar’s reflection on the parallel between Youth Ministry and Scouting for you . Ed.
To assume his or her role in life, a scout learns by doing; an
Page 16 Spring 2011 Issue approach that affords one a high degree of commitment. Scouts take good care of themselves and others, particularly those in situations of dire need. Says Fr. Matovu: “We have formed the Uganda Catholic Scouts Fraternity (UCSF). This is a spiritual component of scouting in the Church and cooperates with national [secular] Uganda Scouts Association (USA). UCSF gives coordination and leadership in spiritual dimension or faith formation to all Catholic Scouts and Scouters across the country.”
The Church hierarchy recognizes the group as a lay Ecclesial association. It is mandated to promote a Catholic scouts’ apostolate, whose national top organ sits at the Uganda Catholic Secretariat, working in close partnership with USA.
Lawrence Kazooya of Jinja Diocese is the national chairperson of the UCSF, deputized by Monica Tabaruka, rom Kabale Diocese. Suzan Anek Ongom, a mother from Lira Diocese, is secretary of the fraternity, with Fr. Polycarp Ssebbowa, a diocesan priest of Kasana- Luwero, as UCSF treasurer.
Fr. Simon Jude Kanyike, the Uganda national chaplain for youth, was also elected chaplain of UCSF, which has other assigned officials. These include Jinja’s Fr. Godfrey Etolu, who serves the fraternity as religious director; youth representatives George Musinguzi and Katty Nantongo Ssempa respectively from the Archdioceses of Mbarara and Kampala; as well as Kampala’s Martin Ssenyonga, who is in charge of public relations.
The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 17 Founder Fr. Matovu was voted coordinator for training and formation in the fraternity, which has secured a few acres of land by the lake, at Buyege, near Entebbe—see photograph. Dubbed the ‘Chi Rho Camp’, this piece of land is being leased from the land board of the Archdiocese of Kampala.
Matovu says: “it is designated as Camp Christos for the Catholic Scouts of Uganda.” Its environment, he contends, is conducive for organizing activities to enable the young people acquire scouting skills, alongside strengthening their faith.
The formation coordinator says he developed a hiking path for scouts, who use it for a Rosarytrek, which is similar to the one he witnessed in Michigan. There, scouts in North America trek monthly, while reciting the Marian Rosary in groups.
Fr. Caesar Matovu is optimistic that the scouting activities would provide channels for positively engaging young people in an integral manner – physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually – “in the life of Catholic identity” in Uganda. UCSF intends its members to experience scouting as a journey of growth into personal maturity.
By Lydia Namugabo Leadership Magazine
Leadership is a Catholic magazine published in Uganda by the Comboni Missionaries.
Page 18 Spring 2011 Issue EIGHT COMPONENTS OF CATHOLIC SCOUTING YOUTH MINISTRY
(Essence of the ministry with (Includes all eight components) adolescents)
Catechesis Religious emblems program, developmentally and grade-appropriate: Light of Christ for tiger cubs and second –grade Cub scouts. Prayer and worship Scouts Sunday, mass when camping, mealtime prayers, prayers at meeting.
Community life Troops, patrols, crews, involvement in parish life, service projects.
Pastoral care Caring adult leaders, youth protection training, training to reflect on experiences, learning conflict resolution. Merit badge program, public recognition for accomplishments. Justice and service Scout law, service projects, eagle service project, “Do a good turn daily, wearing of the uniforms to reduce class distinctions, religious emblems activities, to teach gospel values of justice and service . Leadership development Training for and experience of leadership, youth working with youth, earning Pope Pius XII religious emblem, and troop conducting junior leader training conference to teach leadership skills, Venturers’ receiving leadership skill training. Advocacy. Adults working with scouts, speaking on their behalf in the parish, scout districts, councils and at national level. Developmentally appropriate youth protection training. Evangelization Religious emblems program, scout retreats, pilgrimages, Days of Reflection, Scout Sundays. Mass attendance while on weekend trips, values in the cub scout promise and law, Scout oath and law, venturing oath and code. Adults witnessing faith to youth, youth witnessing to one another, Outreach to unchurched members of the unit. The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 19 Tracks… keeping track of the National Chaplain
It’s not just the English cricket team that has been run out lately, such is the popularity of our resources we have virtually run out of all of our prayer cards, our values packs, prayer books and Ki-Ro pin badges. But in our case this is good news, because it means that the NCSF is doing its job more effectively and reaching out to more and more people. We are just in the process of replenishing our stocks of most of these items, along with producing new banners and displays. In addition we hope to have a few completely new resources later in the year, watch this space!
Our Founders day Mass this year was bigger and better than ever, presided over at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark by Archbishop Peter Smith with Bishops Howard Tripp, Edwin Regan and Richard Moth along with myself and a number of other Priests.
I think there were nearly 400 in the congregation and Bishop Edwin Regan was presented with the ICCS medal for his services to Catholics in Scouting as we said goodbye to him and welcomed his successor Bishop Richard Moth.
I myself received the Brotherhood of St. George (though I don’t like to mention it!), and there were a number of long service awards and a few investitures (see website for a link to photos of the great occasion), the event made three of our national Catholic Newspapers and the website of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
So wherever you live make a date to join us for next year’s Founders Day Mass, spend a day or a weekend in London, don’t forget there is no longer a Founder’s Day event in Westminster Abbey so join us for ours, when is it? 12 th February 2012 at 3pm, St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark.
I am happy to say that I will be in Madrid for the World Youth Days this August with a small group of scouts led by Simon Morley our Vice Chairman of NCSF. If you are interested or know any Explorer
Page 20 Spring 2011 Issue scouts or Scout Network members who are interested then you can get more information via the link on our website. I hope this will be the start of more international activities for our Youth members.
Since originally penning my piece for the Link we have had two bits of news. Firstly the good news that Bishop Edwin Regan has been awarded the Brotherhood of St. George by the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS), our warmest congratulations go to the Bishop.
The second bit of news came as a bit of a surprise and that was the release by The Scout Association of a programme on Sexual Health entitled 'My body my choice'. Neither the NCSF or myself as National Chaplain had any prior warning of this, and were once again caught on the back foot.
Elsewhere in this issue of Link we include a statement from Bishop Richard Moth and in the next months we will be working on a version of the above mentioned programme which fully conforms to the teaching of the Catholic Church in this regard.
It only remains for me to wish you all a very happy and Holy Easter. Best wishes and God bless,
Father John Seddon National Chaplain It was a great pleasure for me to present the Certificate of "Brotherhood of St George" to Fr John Seddon,
Fr Imad Twal www.cics-ar.org
م دة " او ادس ورج " " م ا ب ا! ب ورج دن اذي دم ا او رات طو ون ا رد ارو& %ورو" و&وض ا%"ض ا و ط . ا-( رف +ظم ان ا ( ھذه ادة " م ا ب ا!
The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 21 CIGS Update...
Christians in Guiding and Scouting met at Rowley Regis at the end of March.
The meeting was rather subdued due to ill health or members, recent death of loved ones, change at the Scout Association (no data to help us) and friends from the URC unable to send a representative.
The whole event was how I imagined the disciples feeling after Good Friday - however there was the promise of new life and this is what we grasped.
It was good to share with new people and we welcomed friends from Avon Catholic Guild.
We were buoyed up by the local Parish Priest - who told us all - how vital our work was and that the parish was praying for such groups. Society desperately needs Christian Scout and Guide Groups.
We shared tales of service level agreements with the Scout Association and how we had done our part and still waiting for a document back.
We planned two pieces of action
We would co-ordinate a list of Scout Groups linked to churches - this is based on County directories, District Directories that we had and would be a starting point to say to HQ we want a workable data. This data set would be used for us to target support and encouragement as well as for possibly the first time showing just how much support Scouting gets from the Christian Church community. The challenge is also how to support Guiding.
Bring me sunshine ... a promise …
We committed ourselves to engaging with the Gilwell Reunion Community and are busy thinking on what activities we can put on. We would like to be based in the Swann Centre and adjacent Roman catholic Chapel. What is certain is that we will have thousands of sunflower seed to distribute and there is nothing like a freebie to engage people with.
Whilst we may have had Lenten despair, the meeting ending with Resurrection smiles and chatter of the positives we are to be engaged with.
Colin Raistrick Convenor Christians in Guiding and Scouting.
Page 22 Spring 2011 Issue
CIGS Contacts...
ANGLICAN ROMAN CATHOLIC GUIDES Mrs June Davies 31 Loseley Road Miss Claire Rutter Farncombe 192 Kenpas Highway Goldaming Coventry Surrey CV3 6PB GU73RE Tel: 024 76412535
Tel: 01483 428876 METHODIST [email protected] Mr Colin Raistrick 12 Park Crescent BAPTIST Shiremoor Newcastle upon Tyne Currently please use Colin NE27 OLH Raistrick The Chairman of CIGS for contact Tel: 0191 253 4755
Rev David Marshall Jones SALVATION ARMY 8 Court Bushes Road Whyteleafe Rob Moye Surrey Territorial HQ CR3 OBG 101 Newington Causeway London Tel: 01883 620 951 SE1 6BH [email protected] Tel: 0207 367 4927 [email protected]
Please don’t be afraid of using the support of our colleagues in the other Christian denominations particularly if you need support in helping members of other denominations within your Group. The Link. National Catholic Scout FellowshipPage 23 NCSF PRAYER
Loving God, Help us to be true to our Promise and Law. Keep us faithful to the teaching of the Church and the example of Our Lady and the Saints. Guide us in your ways of love, And strengthen us through your Spirit, to live lives of Service. We ask this through Jesus, your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE CENTENARY OF Centenary Prayer Book SCOUTING for Catholics in Scouting
Loving God, ‘One World, One Promise’ In this Centenary of Scouting we come before you as your children. Complied by We come to thank you; to thank you for Our Rev John Seddon MA founder Baden-Powell, National Scout Chaplain for his vision and for his faith; England & Wales to thank you for the many leaders and volunteers who have given their time, Available from Fr. John Seddon their energy, and their commitment, (see page 3 for contact details) to the great game that is scouting;
To thank you for all the children and young £1.95 each P & P depending on people who have enjoyed and benefited so much from scouting through this past one number ordered. hundred years. And, loving God, Copies of the Prayer Card are We pray that you may be with us still available from Mrs Margaret to help us and to guide us McDowall and of course Fr John through the next century. (see page 3 for contact details)
(Written by Fr John Seddon) They can be collected at NCSF Meetings and activities. Page 24 Spring 2011 Issue