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Scout Sunday is Feb. 8 this year.

In case you see a young parishioner or two in a Boy Scout uniform at Mass this weekend, it’s because they’re observing Scout Sunday. This may apply to 39 of you as that is the number of parishes identified in the Phoenix Diocese that have chartered Boy Scout troops and/or packs. Click here to see which ones and then click on “Parishes with Scouting units.”

Since the mid 1940s, Scout Sunday is always celebrated the Sunday preceding Feb. 8, the date the Boy Scouts of America was founded 99 years ago. The intent is to increase scouting awareness among the community and help Scouts live out their “duty to God” like they routinely pledge. 

According to David Gironda with the diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting, many Catholic troops will organize Scout Masses for the occasion.

If any Cub Scouts or Brownie Scouts have earned a religious emblem medal, troop leaders may present them to the scouts. The bishop typically presents the medals to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts each May. Click here and then on “Religious Emblems Counselors by Parish” to find a local contact about pursuing such an honor. The emblems are not scouting awards, but presented by the National Catholic Committee on Scouting under the auspices of the U.S. Bishops’ Office.