FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Scouting Patch to Celebrate Diocesan Anniversary

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK, July 30, 2007—The Catholic Scouting Office created a patch for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary year of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

To earn the patch, Scouts in grades 1 through 12 will answer a series of historical questions about the diocese and the structure of the Church. Adult leaders and parents are encouraged to work with the children on the questions.

The patch incorporates elements of the diocesan anniversary logo, the diocesan crest and the logos for Brownies, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Austin Cannon, coordinator of Catholic Scouting, said the purpose of the patch is to celebrate not only the beginnings of the diocese, but the beginnings of Scouting in the diocese as well.

“From the inception of the diocese, Scouting was here, has been here and continues to thrive,” Cannon said.

He said the goal is to “try to educate young people about some of the simpler historical things about the diocese—to give the child a broader understanding.”

Other ways to earn patches usually include advancing in rank, attending retreats and volunteering.

There are approximately 65,000 Girl Scouts and 52,000 Boy Scouts on Long Island. About fifty percent of members from each group identify themselves as Catholics.

Boy Scouts came to America in 1910, and the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops made a partnership with the organization in the 1930s.

Funds from the diocesan anniversary patch will go towards events celebrating the anniversary.


Editor’s Note: Photo Courtesy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre


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About The Diocese of Rockville Centre
Celebrating its Golden Jubilee, the Diocese of Rockville Centre (www.drvc.org) was formed in 1957 and covers 1,198 square miles in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The diocese serves approximately 1.4 million Catholics (total population in both counties is approximately 2.8 million). There are 134 parishes in 115 towns. Last year over 18,000 baptisms, 18,000 confirmations, 19,000 first communions and 4,000 marriages took place in the diocese. There are approximately 22,000 students in Catholic elementary schools; 13,000 in secondary schools and 3,300 in higher institutions. There are 69 Catholic elementary and high schools and one Catholic college in the diocese. There are also 120,189 total students in religious education. Catholic Health Services of Long Island consists of five hospitals, three nursing homes, a community-based home for those with special needs and a hospice. Last year, Catholic Charities assisted more than 59,000 individuals who are poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged on Long Island. (4/20/07)
 

For more information Contact:
Sean P. Dolan
Director of Communications
516-678-5800, ext. 625
sdolan@drvc.org
 

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