Catholic Religious Award Counselor Training

Saturday, August 2, 2025

From 9 am - 2 pm

At the John Paul II Center, Rm 109

1300 S Steele St., Denver

Donations accepted for St. George Trek Scholarship Fund

Cost $35 (lunch and snacks include) To register fill out the form below

Ad Altare Dei

The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei (to the altar of God) program is to help Catholic Boy Scouts, Venturing Crew or Sea

Scouts Ship of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community. Designed for 13 or 14

year-old scout. The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. The most important aspect of

the program is that the Scout grows in his/her spiritual experience of his/her relationship to God and the church.

Pope Pius XII

The Pope Pius XII Faith Formation Program is designed for Boy Scouts, 15-16 year old and Venturers and Sea Scouts

of Catholic Faith who are 15-20 years of age though youth can earn this through Venturing age. The program deals

with different life choices (single, married, religious, ordained), occupations and ministries in the church as calls from

God. It includes youth-led discussions on current issues facing the church and society, which are normally included

as part of a Pius XII retreat or day of recollection. It gives the candidate an opportunity to share faith and practice

his/her religion among peers, while receiving guidance and feedback.

Counselor Training

• The Counselor needs to be approved in accordance with local (Arch) diocesan guidelines and follow all Church and/or

BSA Youth Protection guidelines.

• Counselor must have approval form (see attachment below) signed by his/her priest.

• All religious Emblem Counselors and Facilitators must have current BSA Youth Protection Training.

• An Emblem Counselor must have local diocese youth protection training.

• Purchase of AAD Counselor’s Guide (33072) and AAD Youth Manual (33094) or Pope Pius XII Facilitator Manual

(34733A) and Pope Pius XII Participant Manual (3076A) prior to training would be advantageous.

• Counsel the participants when required and, in general, facilitate (keep moving and on track) the general discussion.

• Guide the Scout through the religious emblems program.

Parents’ Role

Support the Religious Emblems Counselor in his/her role and support your son/daughter as he/she shares lessons

with the family.

For information contact: Bill Mack bnbmack@gmail.com or (720) 272-8848  C

Please print this application, complete, and bring with you