...supporting the pastors, clergy, coordinators of
youth and young adult ministry and the parish communities of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ.
Boy Scouts
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Scouting is an effective way to help Catholic youths to do their duty to God and to their country. Scouting builds character and teaches devotion to God in an environment that provides wholesome fun under the guidance of strong adult role models. The scouting programs provide a wonderful channel to involve youth in the life of Catholic parishes.
Young people experience Scouting as a growth into personal maturity and social responsibility. They learn to assume their role in life with a high degree of commitment, and to care for others who are less fortunate. They develop a strong desire to build a culture of goodwill, respect for the environment and acceptance of duties.
For more information or questions on Catholic Scouting Units please contact:
Rich Donovan
Associate Director, Office for Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Archdiocesan Scouting Coordinator
201-998-0088, ext 4150
[email protected]
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Rechartering and Chartering in the Archdiocese of Newark
Click here to read the Chief Operating Officers January 31, 2023 Memo on Rechartering
Click here to read the Cover Memo regard Catholic Scouting in the Archdiocese of Newark
Click here to read a copy of the Catholic Scouting in the Archdiocese of Newark Guidebook
In response to the ongoing bankruptcy proceedings involving the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), many dioceses in the United States contacted the Office of the General Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to express their concerns regarding continued partnership with the Boy Scouts of America.
What was developed between the USCCB General Counsel and BSA General Counsel is an agreed upon Charter Document for Catholic Institutions.
CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE CHARTER DOCUMENT
Starting in January of 2023 this Charter Document MUST BE USED by any and all Units looking to charter or recharter with any of our Archdiocesan parishes of schools.
Under this charter agreement, the local pastor (or school official) has full control over the local Boy Scout unit. In this way, the Boy Scouts can be understood as part of the parish’s pastoral ministries with children and youth.
The parish would also own all the unit’s property and assumes liability for any claims that arise out of scouting activities. The BSA does provide general liability insurance coverage and broad indemnification for any lawsuits brought against the parish for scouting activities.
The charter agreement has been the traditional model used for partnerships with the BSA. As a chartering partner, the local pastor (or school official) appoints a Charter Organization Representative (COR) who represents the Catholic entity to the scouting unit.
The local pastor (or school official) approves adult leadership and has the authority to remove adult leadership. Through the COR, the parish or school sets the direction of the program, especially as it relates to faith formation.
All adult leadership would receive the same safe-environment and other trainings required by the parish to ensure a safe and faithful environment for youth in scouting.
This model also ensures that pastors and pastoral leaders can regularly instill Catholic values, spirituality, and moral teachings in their approach to accompanying young people through the scouting experience.