Catholic scouts integrate faith in all they do, says Bishop Iffert at Scouting awards

Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Covington, March 17, opened with a procession led by a pair of scouts — carry- ing with them the flags of the United States and the Vatican.

This Mass prefaced the Scouting Awards ceremony that would follow across the street at Bishop Howard Memorial Auditorium, where scouts across the Diocese — including Scouts of America, American Heritage Girls and Girl Scouts — would receive awards, medals and patches recognizing their contributions to Catholic scouting and carrying out their faith.

Eleven received certificates at the ceremony, and four were awarded medals. Three were recipients of the Pope Pius XII award, as part of a program that encourages scouts to explore vocations. A fourth award, the St. George medal, was awarded to Mark Barth, a parishioner of Mary, Queen of Heaven Parish — the only adult to receive a scouting award at the ceremony.