By Alfonso Aguilar
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/17/05)

Nearly 150 Scouts along with parents, teachers and leaders participated in the 26th Annual Diocesan Scout Mass presided over by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

The Feb.12 Mass was concelebrated by Fathers Edward Horkan and Matthew Zuberbueler. Deacon Samuel Taub and Brother David Eddy assisted.

"As we gather this morning for our annual diocesan Scout Mass, I wish to echo our Holy Father’s advice: ‘Make to serve’ the motto of your life!’" Bishop Loverde told dozens of boys and girls wearing colorful uniforms with sashes and emblems, and each troop with its respective flag.

"First of all, to serve is part of your commitment as Scouts in whatever rank you find yourselves. In the Scout Oath or Promise, you pledge: ‘To help others at all times,’" continued the bishop and reminded the Scout’s slogan "Do a good turn daily."

According to the Diocesan Committee on Scouting and Camp Fire, there are more than 80 Scouting units with nearly 7,000 youths involved in different activities, including fundraisers and food delivering.

Joseph Stone, senior district executive of the National Capital Area Council Boy Scouts of America, estimated that 150 Scouts attended the event. They belong to parishes or schools like St. William of York in Stafford, St. Veronica and St. Timothy in Chantilly, St. John the Evangelist in Warrenton, St. Louis in Alexandria and St. Bernadette in Springfield, among many others.

Although it seemed that last year’s celebration attracted a bigger crowd, Stone said that the number of Diocesan Scouts continues to grow every year.

"It was a wonderful Mass. Scouts love being photographed with our bishop," said Stone.

Bishop Loverde asked the Scouts to keep their minds and hearts open to Jesus’ call.

During the Mass, Scout Beth Ann Patti received the Spirit Alive Medal while Brendan O’Leary, Anthony Yates and Amelia Mataruse, members of Troop 165 from Fredericksburg, were awarded the Volunteers Gold Medallion Award.