This year, the Diocese’s Catholic Committees on Scouting elected to hold its annual Court of Honor – a ceremony during which all Scouts are recognized with awards – to take place in parishes.

PHOTO GALLERY: Award-winning Scouts

“I think it is important to recognize Scouts who [not only complete accomplishments] but also live their faith life,” said Barbara Dudek, Boy Scout chairperson and awards and emblems chairperson for the Diocese of Trenton Catholic Committees on Scouting. She has also served for more than 25 years as treasurer.

Boy Scouts – Ad Altare Dei Award:

From the Monmouth County Council BSA: Robert Delaney, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, Troop 31, Spring Lake; and Francesco Frasca, St. Michael Parish, Long Branch, Troop 71, Oakhurst. The Scouts received their awards Feb. 12 during Scout Sunday noon Mass in St. James Church, Red Bank.

From the Jersey Shore Council BSA: All Troop 109: Robert Baliatico, Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood, Daniel Waddington and Zachary Adamski, St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt. The Scouts received their awards Feb. 5 during Scout Sunday 11 a.m. Mass in St. Isidore the Farmer Church.

Girl Scouts – Mary, the First Disciple Award (Marian Medal):

From Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Council: Lucia Street, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Whiting, Troop 50427. She will receive her award March 12 at 10 a.m. Mass in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Whiting.

Adults – Christ the King Medal: Maria Rimmele, former committee chair for Pack 32 chartered by River Plaza Elementary School PTO, Middletown; Arthur Rimmele, Sr., Eagle Scout and assistant scoutmaster of Troop 32; Donald Antenucci, Sr., scoutmaster of Troop 140 chartered by Fairview Elementary School PTA, Middletown; and Denis Longo, unit commissioner for the Twin Lights District. Recipients were awarded Feb. 12 at Scout Sunday noon Mass in St. James Church, Red Bank.

While there are additional awards available for adults, there have not been any adults nominated for several years. The Christ the King Award is for adults “who have done an outstanding job to help with the spiritual development of Catholic Youth who are involved in the Boy Scouts of America program,” said Dudek.

In order to earn the Ad Altare Dei award, an eight-chapter workbook of activities must be completed over several months to fulfill the requirements, with chapters based on the seven Sacraments. Boy Scout Awards begin at the Tiger and Wolf Cub Scout levels, and include the Light of Christ, Bear and Webelos Awards. Parvuli Dei and Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) Awards are earned by Boy Scouts in seventh grade and older.

Monmouth Council Scouts’ projects included visiting elderly and homebound parishioners to bring Jesus’ presence to them, in both fellowship and Eucharist. They also sang Christmas carols for them and helped them organize kitchen pantry items. The Scouts furthered their community service by participating in Mission: Jersey and collecting gifts for various ministries via their parish’s giving tree.

“It was an honor to receive the Medal,” said Frasca, “and to be recognized by the Monmouth Council, Troop 71 of Oakhurst and Msgr. [Joseph] Rosie, who did a really nice Mass for us that day.”

The process for earning the Marian Medal saw Lucia Street and her mother and troop leader, Melissa Street, making a pilgrimage to visit the Dominican nuns in the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary. “The Dominican Sisters honor Mother Mary by lighting candles, saying prayers and hosting Masses,” Lucia explained. “They make their own soap and candles to sell to keep the Shrine and monastery open.

“Through my work on Mary the first disciple I have a better understanding of who Mother Mary was and why she is so important to Catholics,” she continued. “I really liked learning about how [she] is viewed around the world … I know I can pray to Mother Mary and she hears my prayers. That gives me hope.”