Scouts mark 114th year with Sunday services

Scouts with Father March, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, in Augusta. Front row, Tristan Morton, Augusta Troop #603, Brent Trundy, of Augusta Cub Scout Pack #684. Back, Anthony Fortin, Troop #603, Trenton Franklin Troop #603, Fr. Nathan March (Eagle Scout). (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

February marks the 114th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America and it is also when most Cub Scout Packs and Scout Troops hold Scout Sunday services in their communities. The Twelfth Point in the Scout Law is that “A Scout is reverent. He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions of others in matters of custom and religion.” To encourage members to grow stronger in their faith, religious groups have developed the religious emblems programs and also welcomed Scouts in to their houses of worship for the annual Scout Sunday service.

Scout Sunday can be held anytime during the year when it is convenient to the church, but many gather for Scout Sunday in February. During these services, Scouts take an active part in the program. At St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, in Augusta, part of the St. Michael’s Parish, Scouts on February 4 participated in the liturgy, served as ushers, greeted parishioners, and managed the offertory. Anthony Fortin, of Augusta, is a Scout in Troop #603, “Scout Sunday is important to me because I get to bring my religious life and my Scouting life together and enjoy a day as being both a Catholic and a Boy Scout which are two major aspects of my life.” Trenton Franklin is also a Scout in Troop #603 and took part in the Scout Sunday program even though he is not a Catholic. He found it to be a great way for him to show reverence while exploring and learning about other faiths.

“For 90 years, the Gardiner area Scouts have called Christ Church their home,” the church posted on their Facebook page on February 4. “Today we thanked them for being a part of our community and shared a blessing with them in recognition of their acts of service. Just look at these sweet faces that are growing into the giving hearts of tomorrow. Brittany St. Amand, one of the leaders of Cub Pack #672, said of the church community, “They’re always so kind and welcoming to our Scouts.”

The Moose River Congregational Church held their Scout Sunday on February 11, and Scouts and leaders from Troop #497 served as greeters, presented the offering and gave the readings. Troop #497 Scoutmaster Karla Talpey said, “A Scout is Reverent. It is a part of who we are, being Boy Scout, or a leader. Taking the time to be thankful to God for all that we have and are given is an integral part of the ways of life of a Boy Scout.”

Winston Duchette of Troop #604, in Winthrop, took part in Scout Sunday Mass held at St. Francis Roman Catholic Church where he attends Faith Formation classes. He is also the troop’s chaplain aide and in that role led the opening prayer during the Eagle Scout ceremony held to honor two of his fellow Scouts recently.