DIOCESE OF PATERsON CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING
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DCCS -Diocese of Paterson -New Jersey FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
In scouting various abbreviations are used and these are just a few.
CCS - Catholic Committee on Scouting
NCCS - National Catholic Committee on Scouting
DCCS - Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting
NNJC - Northern New Jersey Council
AAD - Ad Altare Dei
2. Why do we have Catholic Scouting ?
Catholic Scouting is a ministry of the Catholic Church. There are many ministries in the the Catholic Church; this is only one. For example, a ministry that we are all familiar with might be a food pantry. Catholic Scouting ministers to youth registered as members of the Boy Scouts of America. While secular scouting may be more concerned with scouting skills as a final objective of scouting, Catholic Scouting uses the skills learned in scouting as a tool to achieve a closer union with Our Lord Jesus Christ. There are many Catholic youth registered to troops that are not chartered to Catholic churches or Catholic organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. These youth may participate fully in all of the programs of catholic Scouting and are eagerly invited to participate and benefit.
Troops, packs and/or posts having their chartering organization as a Catholic church, operate somewhat differently than other scout troops. For example, decisions of leadership are made at the Pastoral level and not through any vote or committee action. The activities of the troop are focused toward the good news of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
The NCCS, or National Catholic Committee on Scouting is a committee appointed under the auspices of the National Council of Catholic Bishops. The NCCS provides leadership and guidance for Catholic churches and Catholic church organizations wishing to provide for youth ministry through Scouting. In addition, the NCCS provides a set of common procedures for youth working to obtain various religious emblems.
4. What is the role of the DCCS?
The Diocesan Committee on Catholic Scouting is established by the Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson-New Jersey to aid, assist, and promote Catholic Scouting within the diocese. The chaplain and spiritual advisor is appointed by the Bishop and the goal of the DCCS is to aid and assist pastors and others in the church who are interested in the benefits of Catholic Scouting. The DCCS also coordinates the training of counselors and activities for religious emblem programs.
5. When and where does the DCCS for the Diocese of Paterson-New Jersey meet?
DCCS meetings are held every two to three month depending on the availability of the date. We hold our meetings at DePaul High School in Wayne, NJ. Our meetings start at approximately 7: 30 PM and are over by 9:15 PM. (NEXT MEETING ON TUESDAY, MAY 21st 2008 at 7:30 PM)
6. I would like to find a Troop/Post/Pack chartered to a Catholic organization. How may I do this?
You may contact any of the officers of the DCCS whose phone numbers are listed in this web site or you may send an e-mail to ccsdop@optonline.net for a prompt response.
7. What religious emblems are available to Scouts and Explorers?
There are four religious emblems available for scouts registered in programs under the auspices of the Boy Scouts of America and who are active practicing Catholics of the Roman rite. In addition, there is a separate emblem for Boy Scouts of the Eastern rite. Any youth considering religious emblems is urged to contact a troop leader, their Pastor, or member of the DCCS for complete details and to discuss eligibility. This web site should be consulted for more complete details on the qualifications for the emblems. Generally the following emblems are available --
No. The religious emblem programs were never designed to be a substitute to religious education. Every scout seeking to earn a religious emblem must be enrolled in or have completed a program of religious education. Examples of qualifying religious education include CCE programs or equivalent parish sponsored education, or attendance of a private or parochial school where Catholic religious education is taught. Religious emblem programs are structured not as a way or vehicle for earning emblems or patches but as very special way to increase a scout's knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ in a personal way. Many of the activities in these programs are attempts to draw direct parallels between what is done in scouting and the ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A scout is reviewed upon completion of the program to determine if the scout has increased his or her knowledge of Our Lord Jesus Christ as person and savior.
9. My troop/pack/post is not sponsored by a Catholic Church or Catholic Organization. Can I still participate in DCCS programs?
Certainly. Any registered Boy Scout or Explorer Scout is invited and urged to participate in the emblem programs and the other activities of the DCCS. Please contact any Catholic Scouting leader for more information or one of the committee members of the DCCS listed in this web site.
10. I am not a Catholic but belong to a troop chartered to a catholic Church or Catholic Organization, may I earn Catholic Religious Emblems ?
No. Catholic Religious Emblems are available for scouts who are active practicing Catholics. In addition to Catholic Religious Emblems, there are many other types of religious emblems that can be earned. Please let your cubmaster, scoutmaster or explorer advisor know of your interest and you will be directed in the proper manner. All religious emblems, regardless of a youth's beliefs, are aids to assist that youth to develop strength in his or her spiritual journey. We encourage every Scout to participate fully in the religious emblem program of his faith.
11. I heard that there are religious emblems for adults. How can I earn one?
There are no adult religious emblems that can be earned. If you are an
adult and registered with the
Boy Scouts of America, you may become eligible for emblem recognitions.
Emblems are awarded based upon
service and upon the recommendation of others. No one can recommend
themselves for a religious emblems.
The emblems and recognitions that are currently available for adult recognitions in the Diocese of Galveston-Houston are:
12. I am an adult leader and interested in participating in NCCS activities. What should I do?
You should contact the national secretary for the NCCS at the national office of the Boy Scouts of America to express your interest and desire. We however would recommend that before considering working at the national level that there are many many volunteering activities at the local level which might be of interest to you. Any of the officers named in this web site will be willing to assist and help you.
13. What activities does the DCCS in the Paterson-New Jersey Diocese sponsor?
Each year brings a complete range of activities.
For Boy Scouts and Explorers, the Catholic Scout Retreat occurs during the second week in October, and is a three-day, two-night camp-out at Camp Jefferson. It will be held on the weekend of October 17th - 19th 2008. The programming is both spiritual and fun featuring tests in scouting skills and religious reflections. Confessions and counseling are offered anytime during the retreat. The retreat opens on Friday night with a campfire. The main events are on Saturday, concluding at night with Mass with the Bishop and a campfire. Scouts are expected to be in camp by 6 pm on Friday and generally can leave by 11 am on Sunday. All meals are provided at a low cost.
Scout Sunday activities are always a big part of scouting in our diocese. Each year a special scout Sunday will occur either on the first or second Sunday in February. Scouts who have completed work on religious emblems are invited and rewarded. The Bishop of the Paterson-New Jersey Diocese conducts a prayer liturgy. After the service, all of the scouts completing the Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII religious emblem programs are honored and awarded their emblems. In addition, the Diocese recognizes the troop, post, and/or pack that has achieved outstanding success in the past year by awarding one or more Bishop's Trophies. In 2009, Scout Sunday Celebration will be held at St. John's Cathedral, February 2009 (Date TBA) @ 3 PM and will be followed by a reception.
14. I have a really neat idea for a DCCS activity. Who may I contact?
Please contact any of the officers listed on this web site they will be delighted to hear from you.
15. I am in a Diocese other
than Paterson-New Jersey and wish to get more information
about the DCCS in my Diocese. Who should I contact?
The first place to start would be your Pastor. Alternatively, you may ask your
local Boy Scout council. You can also contact any of the
officers
listed on this web site for help or the webmaster
of this site.
16. Who are the officers of
the DCCS and how are they selected?
The current listing of officers can be found on our
officers
page. Officers are elected on odd-numbered years and serve for two-year terms.
17. I am interested in becoming a counselor for Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII emblems. What should I do?
The DCCS has training programs three to four times a year to provide required training for counselors. You should contact one of the officers and look at the calendar of events to determine when the next opportunity will occur. Dates of training will be posted on our web site as training schedules are developed. Generally, the required training occurs over a two day period on separate weekends. Scouter Formation customarily consumes the majority of the day as a liturgy is celebrated as a part of the activity. Counselor training generally lasts 3 to 4 hours and is a hands-on approach of teaching a leader how to conduct a religious emblem program for Ad Altare Dei or Pope Pius XII emblem.
18. If I have more Questions, who should I contact?
The elected officers of the DCCS are very willing to be of help to you at any time, please contact them. Also try looking at the web sites on the links page for more information about Catholic Scouting, the Catholic faith, and Scouting in general. You can in addition email our webmaster, Scout Chaplain or Scout Chairman for more additional information.