Scout Sunday worship services held at area churches

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.

Scouts with Father Nathan March at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Augusta, front from left, are Tristan Morton of Augusta Troop 603 and Brent Trundy of Augusta Cub Scout Pack 684. Back from left are Anthony Fortin of Troop 603, Trenton Franklin of Troop 603, and March (an Eagle Scout). Submitted photo

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, according to a news release from Chuck Mahaleris, district chairman for the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting.

Woody Hopkins of Cub Scout Pack 672 prays during the Scout Sunday service held at Christ Episcopal Church in Gardiner on Feb. 4. Submitted photo

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 Feb. 4 participated in the liturgy, served as ushers, greeted parishioners, and managed the offertory. Anthony Fortin of Augusta, a Scout in Troop 603, said “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, also a Scout in Troop 603, took part in the 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.

Delilah Howard of Hallowell, left, and Avrilynn St. Amand of Pittston hold each other in prayer during Scout Sunday service at Christ Episcopal in Gardiner. Submitted photo

“For 90 years, the Gardiner area Scouts have called Christ Church their home,” the church posted on its Facebook page Feb. 4. 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.”

Life Scout Brennan Begin, left, and Eagle Scout Maddox Cuddy pray with Pastor Rhonda McNally. McNally say a prayer over the eucharist before the Scouts delivered it to the congregants. Submitted photo

The Moose River Congregational Church in Jackman held its Scout Sunday Feb. 11. Scouts and leaders from Troop 497 served as greeters, presented the offering and gave the readings.

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 also is the troop’s chaplain aide, and in that role he lead the opening prayer recently during the Eagle Scout ceremony held to honor two of his fellow Scouts.