Six Catholic Scouts from across the Diocese of Biloxi recently completed the Pope Pius XII Religious Emblem after a 13-week program of discussion, reflection and service.

Facilitated by Rachel Neal, with Pyke Van Dalsem serving as assistant facilitator, the group included Adam Neal and Owen Neal of Immaculate Conception Parish in Laurel; Eli Hymel, Bella Waguespack and Molly Waguespack of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Long Beach; and Dakota Lehman of Sacred Heart Parish in Dedeaux.

Pope Pius XII is the Catholic religious emblem program for older Scouts. With a particular emphasis on vocation, the program encourages young Catholics to consider how God is calling them to live and serve. Scouts explore vocations and Christian service while reflecting on how their faith should guide their choices as they enter adulthood.

The program culminated with a day of service and reflection at St. Thomas. The Scouts cleaned a display of sacred items recovered following Hurricane Katrina and reverently disposed of damaged blessed items collected from their parishes.

The Scouts were presented certificates at Mass at St. Thomas and will receive their Pope Pius XII medals from Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III at the Diocesan Scouting Awards Recognition Mass on Nov. 29 at Nativity B.V.M. Cathedral in Biloxi.

Four Roman Catholic religious emblems are available through Scouting: Light of Christ (ages 6-7), Parvuli Dei (ages 8-10), Ad Altare Dei (ages 13-14) and Pope Pius XII (ages 15 and older).

For more information about Catholic Scouting religious emblems in the Diocese of Biloxi, contact Pyke Van Dalsem at Pyke.vandalsem@gmail.com or the Diocesan Committee on Catholic Scouting.