Catholic Scouts, their families, and adult Scout leaders from throughout the Diocese of Peoria will gather for a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12.

Father Glenn Harris, diocesan Scout chaplain, will be principal celebrant.
During the Mass, religious emblems and awards earned through either the Boy Scouts of America or the Girl Scouts of the USA will be presented to youths in the different programs. The medals mark extra efforts by the Scouts to learn more about their faith and how to make it alive in their lives.

The diocese-wide celebration will also recognize several adults who have demonstrated dedication in all aspects of Catholic Scouting.

“They work tirelessly to see that Scouts grow in maturity not only in Scouting skills but also in personal virtue, and they promote the youth religious emblems programs,” said Father Harris of the adult leaders. Father Harris is pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish in Rapids City and St. Mary’s Mission, Hampton.

Among the adult honorees this year are:

— Rhonda Kirts, a Girl Scout leader at Holy Cross Parish, Champaign, who promotes Scouting as Catholic youth ministry. She will receive the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for service to youth in the GSUSA program.

— Msgr. Jason Gray, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Peoria; Charles Walters, Scoutmaster of Troop 9 at Holy Cross, Champaign; Tim Roder, assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 154 at Holy Family Parish, Peoria; Kevin Cook, field director for the W.D. Boyce Council, and Paul Harris, Scoutmaster of Troop 156, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Peoria. All will receive the Bronze Pelican Award for service to youth within the Boy Scouts.

The gathering will also commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the USA, founded by Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low in 1912, and the 100th anniversary of the first Boy Scout of America Eagle Scout Award given to Arthur Rose Elded the same year.