The Year of the Eucharist scout patch introduced by the Catholic Committee on Scouting in late January now has nearly 500 scouts in 17 states working on the requirements for this unique religious activity program.

Interest in the patch can be attributed to the Catholic press and use of the Internet.

"After the article on the Year of the Eucharist patch appeared in the Southwest Kansas Register, it ran in the other Catholic Newspapers in Kansas," said Tim Wenzl, program coordinator.

"A month later, it was decided to open up the program to all scouts in the country and the article was posted on the Catholic News Service website. Diocesan newspapers throughout the country and the Sunday Visitor ran the article.

"Since Pope John Paul II died April 2, we have been overwhelmed with orders," Wenzl added. "I see scouts earning this patch as a tribute to Pope John Paul II. The Holy Father proclaimed this special year to draw emphasis on the Eucharist. Scouts meeting the requirements and earning this patch will long remember that the pope died during the Year of the Eucharist. They are responding to the Holy Father’s call to better understand the importance of the Eucharist in our Catholic faith."

Pope John Paul II announced last June that a year of special emphasis on the Eucharist would be held in the church from October 2004 to October of this year. The purpose of the Year of the Eucharist religious activity program is to assist scouts in better understanding Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist, the Mass as his sacrifice, and the importance of Eucharistic adoration.

"We have received some nice compliments from members of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, other diocesan scout committees and parents," Wenzl said. "It is really touching to see how many people have been affected by this. We have people actually thanking us for creating this program and giving scouts the opportunity to learn more about their faith."

The patch is available to all scouts and adult leaders. There are
different requirements for scouts in first through fifth grades, sixth through 12th grades, and leaders.

Number of patches may be limited. Please inquire about availability and for specific requirements by e-mailing Tim Wenzl at twenzl@dcdiocese.org or by calling (620) 227-1556.

This religious activity program is self-administered. Requirements,
checked by adult leaders or parents, should be completed before ordering patches.