St. Paul the Apostle, Catawba, is in its third year of rewarding students who learn about their faith at home. The badge program evolved from a Boy Scout badge program designed by Fr. Ed Anderson. (Submitted photo)
Students in grades three through eight from St. Paul the Apostle Church, Catawba, received badges, pins and medals during Mass Sunday, May 21.
They were recognized for completing studies and activities in Biblical knowledge, prayer, Advent, Lent, service to others, lives of the saints and many other subjects. The badges, pins and medals are displayed on sashes the students wear during Mass, classes and other church functions.
This program does not take place in the church so much as in the home. It is a joint effort of the students and their parents to strengthen their religious and spiritual understanding together as a family.
The students are given their own manuals that contain the requirements for each badge, pin or medal. In the spring, during a Sunday Mass, Fr. Gerald Hagen presents the earned badges, pins and medals to each student. He also presents each parent with a small gift recognizing their commitment to their children.
This is the third year for this program, which will hopefully be expanded to include grades nine through 12, and more churches. Right now it is conducted through St. Paul’s religious education department coordinator, Gloria Lyons. The sashes, badges, etc., are paid for from the proceeds of student fundraiser bake sales and plant sales.
The idea for this program evolved from a Rosary and American Saints badge program for the Boy Scouts, created by Fr. Ed Anderson, of Rice Lake. This program proves the important positive power of the family.
