This weekend Bill and Mason attended the Diocesan Boy Scout Retreat. It is always held at the Catholic Center. Most of the activities take place in either the gym or the meeting room/dining hall. The scouts and most of the leaders even sleep on the floor or on cots in the gym. It’s roughing it for God. This year it was important for Mason to attend to fulfill one of the requirement for Ad Altare Dei, the religious emblem he is working on.
I went up on Saturday night for dinner, adoration and benediction. Many priests are invited and it’s a good opportunity for scouts and myself to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s also quite lovely to pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet in unison although, on the gym floors, it’s hard on the knees.
Sunday we all attended Mass and then there was a brief Court of Honor. Among those recognized were any of the scouts who made the rank of Eagle. Mason was one of the few new Eagle Scouts present.
Our dear Captain D planned and helped facilitate the activities. His stamina and dedication for scouts and the Catholic faith are truly exemplary.
Mason and Bill came home eager to shower and go to bed after spending the weekend away. It was good to have them home.
Retreat is one of my dad’s highlights. I’m glad they got this in pre-corona. Seems strange now to think of big groups just being together having fun without a care.
Joel is working on Ad Altare Dei…well sort of.