Pillars of Faith

The 'Pillars of Faith' provides youth in Scouting who earn all the traditional Catholic Religious Awards with a special recognition. Very few Scouts earn the highest award in their Scouting program. Even fewer Scouts earn a Religious Award, so to earn all the traditional Catholic Religious Awards is a monumental feat. The 'Pillars of Faith' pin recognizes these Scouts.

The name and design of the recognition pin represents the fact that Religious Awards are like pillars, supporting the Scout's development in and appreciation of the Catholic faith. The Religious Awards are the pillars, not the roof, for none of us are ever done growing in our faith. The design also includes the Church, Bible, and cross, other essential elements in faith.

Eligibility

The Scout must have completed

- Light of Christ or Family of God

- Parvuli Dei or I Live My Faith

- Ad Altare Dei or Marian Medal

- Pope Pius XII or Spirit Alive

and be a member of any organization that uses these Religious Awards. Other dioceses may use other criteria such as:

- require all 4 awards to be from the same program: NCCS or NFCYM

- also require God Is Love and/or Missio

- allow a different 4 of the 6 NFCYM awards

Presentation of the Pillars of Faith Pin

This award should be presented as the highest religious recognition that a Scout can achieve while in Scouting. The Pillars of Faith pin should be presented in a formal Awards Mass or appropriate formal ceremony (preferably by the Bishop, Pastor or Priest). The key is to make the presentation very special, so the youth understands the magnitude of the achievement.

Wearing the Pillars of Faith Pin

The recipient can wear the pin on the Scout uniform. Additionally, an adult who earned the pin as a youth can continue to wear the pin in and out of Scouting. The Pillars of Faith pin can become a pin that the recipient wears proudly at both Scouting and other events.

For a copy of the "Pillars of Faith Recognition Application", please click here.