AHG Medals

American Heritage Girls Catholic Faith Awards

INTRODUCTION--The AHG Catholic Faith Awards were created for Catholic American Heritage Girls to learn more about their faith and develop a stronger relationship with Christ and His Blessed Mother. The Catholic Faith Awards were developed for four of the five of the AHG Program Levels beginning in first grade--Tenderheart, Explorer, Pioneer and Patriot. In each Program Level, girls will gain a greater understanding of the AHG Oath, Mission, and Creed.

The AHG National Catholic Committee (AHG NCC) developed the Catholic Faith Awards Program to be worked on each year for a better comprehension of the fullness of the faith.

Each Award is divided into Segments: one Segment for each year of the Program Level.

After completing all required Segments for each in a Program Level, the Medal application and payment are submitted to the Authorized Purchaser for the Archdiocese of Chicago:

Hilda Sustaita hsustaita@archchicago.org phone: 312-534-8272

(Note: The AHG Catholic Faith Award Books and Segments for each Level are purchased by AHG Troops or AHG Registered Members online through the AHG Store. The medals are purchased through the Archdiocese of Chicago.)

AHG Program Levels and Medals:

Tenderheart and Explorer girls receive their medal at their Parish, in an AHG Troop Ceremony or an AHG Recognition Sunday Mass during the Program Year.

Pioneer and Patriot girls receive their medal at the annual Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Medals Ceremony in the Spring.

Tenderheart (1st,2nd,3rd grade)—Deus et Familia Mea (God and My Family)

Deus et Familia Mea guides Catholic Tenderhearts through an awareness of who they are as children of God in the family of the Catholic Church. Girls will learn about the Holy Mass, Sacraments, Traditions and history of the Catholic Church with fun, hands-on activities. Tenderhearts are encouraged to explore and perform works of charity for their families and neighbors.

The God & Family medal is awarded after a Tenderheart has completed Segments 1, 2 and 3.

Explorer (4th,5th,6th grade)—Deus et Patria Mea (God and My Country)

Deus et Patria Mea allows Catholic Explorers to learn about various saints representing the United States of America. Explorers enrich their faith by exploring Catholic elements that are most important to those saints, including the Eucharist, Corporal Works of Mercy, and missionary work. Deus et Patria Mea is thought-provoking, hands-on, and will foster a desire in Explorers to serve Jesus Christ through the Catholic church.

The God & Country medal is awarded after an Explorer has completed Segments 1,2 and 3.

Pioneer (7th, 8th grade) --Deus et Civita Mea (God and My Community)

Deus et Civitas Mea guides Catholic Pioneers to examine service in their community through Sacred Scripture and Catholic Church Tradition. Girls learn the importance of preparing to serve through prayer and learning about people who exemplified service in their lives. Pioneers place what they have learned into practice by serving others and by reflecting on the impact of their service in their lives.

The God & Community medal is awarded after a Pioneer has completed Segments 1 and 2.

Patriot (High School)—Femina Integritatis (Woman of Integrity)

Femina Integritatis encourages Catholic Patriots to internalize and immerse themselves in what it means to be a Catholic Woman of Integrity. Prayer and discussion are essential elements of this study which includes opportunities for outings and engaging speakers. Through study of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Our Blessed Mother, the lives of the saints, and the Sacraments, Patriots discern God’s call for their lives after high school.

The Patriots are taught how to improve their prayer life and relationship with Our Lord by showing them how to do daily prayers, daily examination of conscience, Adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, attending daily Mass and daily journaling.

The Woman of Integrity Moral Compass medal is awarded after a Patriot has completed Segments 1 and 2.

The Woman of Integrity Quiver of Arrows medal is awarded after a Patriot has completed Segments 3 and 4.

Both Deus et Civitas Mea (Pioneer) and Femina Integritatis (Patriot) Faith books focus on teaching Catholic AHG Girls about Catholic Identity, Catholic Values, Catholic Traditions and how to live the Catholic Faith.

AHG Faith Award Program Training:

AHG Faith Award Program Training is available in the AHGequip Training app. This training is offered for any AHG Adult Member who wants to learn more about AHG’s Faith Award Program, but is especially recommended for Troop Shepherds and anyone working directly with girls who are pursuing their Faith Awards. The training includes an overview of all AHG Faith Awards as well as the Catholic Mentor Training.

Tenderhearts and Explorers: work with their parents at home

Pioneers and Patriots: work with an AHG Mentor at agreed upon meeting times