Other Programs & Recognitions

Mission

The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) supports and strengthens those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ.

The mission is grounded in the U.S. Bishops’ document, Renewing the Vision (RTV). RTV gives a solid foundation for a comprehensive youth ministry, a roadmap, and a vision that allows each diocese and NFCYM to animate ministry to the young church.

Vision

The NFCYM looks to a future when young people see themselves as children of God who live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ; when the gifts, struggles and diverse realities of young people are welcomed in Catholic faith communities; when pastoral ministry leaders have embraced the joy of the Gospel, and when families are living as the domestic Church.

The NFCYM commits to advancing the field of pastoral ministry to young people by: forming, equipping, and supporting pastoral leaders in their ministry to young people and their families. Modeling and fostering a ministry of acompañamiento among young people of all cultures, languages, socioeconomic and geographic realities. Partnering with parents and equipping families of young people as they witness to Jesus Christ in their daily lives.

Values

  • Guidance of the Holy Spirit discerned through prayer.
  • Fidelity to the mission and teaching of the church.
  • Ministry rooted in prayer and sacraments.
  • Communion with the bishops of the United States.
  • Dignity and giftedness of each person.
  • Inherent goodness, unique gifts and charisms of all young people.
  • Baptism call of each person to discipleship, mission and holiness.
  • Riches of diversity.
  • Promotion of justice and peace.
  • Responsible stewardship of our resources.
  • Wisdom of shared leadership and collaboration.

Online Store

Catholic Faith Identity Patches-Throughout the long tradition of the Catholic church, women and men have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to stand up for the faith in the midst of great trials and at deep personal risk. Learn more about these great Models of Faith. The Women in Scripture series focuses on individuals who lived lives of courage and faithfulness. These women often fanned the flame of faith in their families and communities and were the backbone of the church and faith since the very beginning of Jesus' ministry.

Religious Recognition Programs and Awards

  • Ruth and Naomi
  • Mary Magdalene
  • Martha and Mary
  • Miriam
  • Sarah
  • Saint Elizabeth
  • Mother Teresa
  • Saint John XXIII
  • Saint Anne
  • Saint Gianna Molla
  • Saint Juan Diego
  • Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
  • Saint Monica
  • Venerable Pauline Jaricot

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC COMMITTEE ON SCOUTING®?

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) is a church committee of concerned Catholic lay people and clergy who see as their mission the constructive use of the program of the Boy Scouts of America as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic youth of our nation.

The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts of America, seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in the United States.

Through interaction and dialogue with the Secretariat on the Laity and Family Life (the formal connection between youth ministry in the United States and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), NCCS works cooperatively with various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.

OUR AUTHORITY.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) is a church committee of concerned Catholic Laity and Clergy which is advisory to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and relates to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) through its USCCS Episcopal Liaison.

NCCS MISSION.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting® (NCCS) exists to utilize and ensure the constructive use of the program of the BSA as a viable form of youth ministry with Catholic youth of our nation.

OUR PURPOSE.

The purpose of the NCCS is to utilize and ensure the constructive use of the program of the BSA as a viable form of youth ministry with the Catholic Youth of our nation. The NCCS seeks to sustain and strengthen the relationship between the BSA and the Catholic Church and to work cooperatively with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) and various other groups involved in youth ministry in the United States.

Religious Activities

Pray the Rosary

The Rosary Series focuses on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and How to Pray the Rosary. This is an opportunity for youth and adults to learn more about their faith. All youths and adults can work on this activity and earn the patch. This activity can be worked on individually or as a group. It is not necessary to send the completed form

Marian Series

Each activity in this series examines one of the nineteen Marian Feasts Commemorated in the United States, focusing on how and why the Church has honored Mary for more than 2,000 years.

Footsteps of American Saints

This religious activity honors those men and women who led heroic lives of faith. Their words, their deeds, and their devotion to prayer and to the sacraments, inspire all American Catholics. In the Church calendar for the United States, some have the rank of "Saint" and are venerated by the Universal Church. Some have the rank of "Blessed" and are venerated by the Local Church. Some have the rank of "Venerable" and, while on the way to becoming a "Saint", may be venerated by Catholics. Most of these men and women lived and worked in North America in what is now the United States. Some others never set foot in America, however they had a huge impact on the Catholic American landscape. All of them sought to follow Jesus.

The goal of this activity is to share the lives of several Saints so that the youth might relate to what these people have done and maybe look to these individuals as role models.

Modern Saint Series

This is a series that encourages youth and adults to learn about individuals who have shaped the landscape of Catholicism in America. These honored individuals Rosary Series are Saints, or are being considered for Sainthood. By learning more about the wonderful examples, it is hoped that youth and adults will be inspired to imitate their heroic virtues and follow in their footsteps.

Faith Series

This series provides a group of activities to help youth and adults to learn more about the universal faith-based practices and traditions used in living the Catholic faith.

Introducing this new series is the Corporal Works of Mercy Activity. Other Similar activities will be introduced in the future.

International Awareness Recognition

The International Catholic Conference of Scouting provides an opportunity for its members to meet together as friends in the Catholic Church. It links the Catholic Church and the Scouting Movement all over the world. It contributes to the complete education of young people through Scouting from the perspective of the Catholic faith. It develops and enhances the spiritual dimension of Scouting in the World Scout Movement.

The Pope appoints priests to work with the International Catholic Conference of Scouting as ecclesiastical assistants (chaplains). This recognition activity is an ongoing special project of the International Committee of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting (USA). Proceeds will further the work of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting and help enable representation by NCCS chaplains at ICCS meetings and NCCS chaplain support at international scouting events.

Keep the Lamp Burning Celebration

The International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS) has invited all members of Catholic Scout Associations to join in the 100 year celebration of Catholics in Scouting. The ICCS is providing opportunities for scouts to meet together as friends in the Catholic Church via the internet, jamborees, earning religious emblems and programs like Messengers of Peace.

Ordering Information

Building Faith in Youth

We are known for the P.R.A.Y. Program - a Bible-based religious emblems program for Protestant and Independent Christian churches designed to bring children, youth, and families to Christ.

Fostering the Christian growth of children

Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) is a non-profit organization aimed at fostering the Christian growth of children, youth, and families through churches and youth serving agencies. Our national board of directors includes representatives from Protestant and Independent Christian Churches and the national youth agencies.

The P.R.A.Y. Program

Draw young people closer to Christ and help them grow stronger in faith and in service to God. Have fun earning a P.R.A.Y. award with pizza, gameboxes, and more! Learn More

Bible Basics RP3

Get into the Word. We firmly believe that time spent in the Bible can be precious time with God. Read together as a family, or with your scout group or Sunday school class. Learn More

Resource Library

Explore our library of information, documents, and resources. Introduce yourself to our programs, and gather details where needed. Learn More


The Region 3 National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire welcomes you to our website. Our hope is that you will find resources, information, and tools to support your work with Catholic young people in Scouting programs.

We are a member of the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF) under the auspices of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.

As a region we promote communications between the dioceses and as diocese promote collaboration with local Girl Scouts and Camp Fire to help young people explore and become more involved with their Catholic faith as part of the spiritual growth encouraged by these youth organizations.

The NCCGSCF administers the Catholic Youth Recognition Program, which provides age-appropriate activities that support and complement catechetical efforts of parents, parishes and schools.

Regional Patch Programs Rosary Patch Series

This Rosary Patch Series was developed by the Region 3 Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts & Camp Fire. It was developed to encourage girls and boys to learn about and pray the rosary on a regular basis. There are two brochures with the requirements for the patches. One brochure is for the First through Fifth graders and the other one is for Sixth through Twelfth grades as well as any adults who might be interested in working on the program. This program is open to youth group who wished to learn and pray the rosary.