Faith Community News

Congratulations to Girl Scouts who received religious awards

Lahavah: Sarafina F., Troop #9052; Emily L., Troop #3754; and Hannah K., Troop #4009.

Family of God: Gabrielle A., Troop #2126 and Marcella P., Troop #2126.

Brownie Girl Scout Trinity E. of Troop #11226 receives her Family of God Pin from Bishop Joseph Fiorenza during an award ceremony at St. Ambrose Catholic Church.

Galveston-Houston Diocesan Committee on Girl Scouting hosts ceremony

The 38th Annual Religious Recognition Ceremony sponsored by the Galveston-Houston Diocesan Committee on Girl Scouting was held March 28 at St. Ambrose parish in Houston under the direction of Father Ben Smaistrla pastor and Sabina Varela, treasurer of the committee.
Two hundred Catholic Girl Scouts received religious awards from Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza of the Galveston-Houston Diocese, assisted by Monsignor William Young, committee chaplain and Gloria Danley, recognition coordinator of the committee.
Each Catholic Girl Scout celebrated her spiritual growth by working on the Family of God, I Live My Faith, the Marian Medal, or the Spirit Alive programs. Each girl had to commit herself to challenge and complete each aspect of the program under the direction of the moderator at their parish.
The ceremony began with Cadettes and Senior Girl Scouts leading the congregation with “Immaculate Mary” sung by Katie R. followed by the flag ceremony and the blessing of the flags by Monsignor Bill Young. Bishop Fiorenza congratulated each Catholic Girl Scout for the wonderful work and the different projects that they completed to earn their medals. He focused his thoughts on the “Pledge of Allegiance,” and how we are one nation under God.
Marian Medal coordinator Dolores R., Bishop Fiorenza, and Monsignor Young presented Investiture medals to Cadettes who will beginning the Marian Medal program and to Senior Girl Scouts who will be beginning the Spirit Alive program in the fall.
Virginia Reed, chair of the committee presented St. Michael Parish with the Bishop’s Trophy. It is presented to a parish within the diocese whose Girl Scout members have made contributions of service to the church, community, and family, and who have made continued progress in their own spiritual development.
Mary Ann M. and Donna R.received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal in recognition of meritorious and significant contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic girls in Girl Scouts. Gloria D. was presented with the Award of Ruth in recognition of outstanding and inspirational leadership of women.
A special thanks was given to each parish and troop moderator for their hard work and dedication in making sure that each Catholic Girl Scout accomplished the goals and achievements needed to fulfill each requirement for the religious awards program.