Quick Links
Scouting
Catholic Scouting plays an important role in the development of young peoples’ relationship with the Lord and with the Church. We are grateful for the Catholic Committee members and our scout leaders for their many hours of dedication and hard work. We hope that more of our youth and adults join in Catholic Scouting and pray that God may continue to bless the work of this very important ministry.
Scouting Spotlight: Reverend Raymond A. Ball
Each year the New Hampshire School Administrators Association confers the State Champion for Children Award for distinguished public service to benefit children in New Hampshire. Father Ray Ball is one of the recipients of this prestigious award. As pastor of All Saints Parish in Lancaster, Fr. Ray has continued his dedicated service to young people and their families. Since Fr. Ray was ordained twenty years ago, his ministry has included volunteering, substitute teaching, counseling and coaching. He is a DJ for community and parish dances, the chaplain for New Hampshire Catholic Scouting, and a facilitator for a parenting skills program at Weeks Medical Center. Fr. Ray’s commitment to youth is characterized by the easy way he has of relating to young people no matter what circumstances they find themselves in; juvenile offenders, flag football teams, baseball and basketball players, scouts on retreat, students in religious education all respond to Fr. Ray’s gentle, caring presence. Bishop McCormack and the entire diocesan family congratulate Fr. Ray and wish him continued blessings in his ministry with young people.
Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting
The Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting was established to give guidance, direction, leadership and vitality to the spiritual component of Scouting within the Diocese of Manchester.
The Catholic Committee on Scouting is responsible for:
- Promoting scouting as youth ministry for parishes
- Promoting the religious emblems program and recognitions
- Training of religious emblem counselors and leaders
- Providing spiritual enrichment for scouts through various activities such as retreats and prayer services
- Recognizing those who have completed requirements set forth by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting
- Recognizing adults who have given of their time and talents
- Documenting all training and awards
- Working closely with the Offices of Youth Ministry and Catechetical Formation as well as the whole scouting community to help meet the needs of our youth and leaders
The Catholic Scouting Office provides services to Catholic Scouts under the direction of Rev. Raymond A. Ball and the Catholic Committee on Scouting.