Dear Orange County Scouters,
I was honored when Bishop Vann appointed me to be the Chaplain of the Diocese of Orange Catholic Committee on Scouting. I have some big shoes to fill following the infamous Monsignor Sammon our first Diocese of Orange Chaplain, and Fr. Mike Hanifin, who has been appointed National Chaplain of Catholic Committee Scouting. My immediate predecessor was Deacon Jim Arnold who I am grateful for his help in transferring into this role of service. I was ordained a Deacon in October 2013 and currently serve at my home parish of St. Martin de Porres in Yorba Linda, CA
I grew up in a scouting family. My father was an Eagle Scout (and one of my Scout Leaders) and my mother was a Girl Scout Leader for my twin sisters growing up in Huntington Beach. I advanced through Troop 409 and was awarded my Eagle Scout with Troop 1 in November 1976.
My wife, Lisa and I, were married in 1986 at St. Angela Merici and have attended St. Martin de Porres for the past 19 years. We have two daughters and one son, all of whom were involved with Scouts as children. My wife served as Pack Leader and I was a Cub Master, Committee Chair and Assistant Scoutmaster for over five years. When my son was a member of Pack 851 and Troop 778, I had the opportunity to relive some of my Scouting experiences. Listening to the Boys at Scout meetings recite the Scout Oath, and the Scout Law, reminded me of when I was in Scouts and the impact they had in the formation of the person I am today. I was honored to have been awarded the St. George Emblem through my involvement with these units.
As I repeated the Scout Oath at the meetings with the Boys I found myself reflecting inward and asking myself, “Have I done my best to God and my Country? Have I helped other people at all times, kept myself physically and mentally strong, and morally straight? It was another way of examining my conscience each week.
I also realized that the threads of being Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent, have been woven into the fabric of the person I try to be. They have become my core values. I can’t think of anything important, in the way I want live my life, that is not included in the Scout Oath and Scout Laws.
Best wishes,
Deacon Nick Sherg
DCCS Scout Chaplain
Diocese of Orange Catholic Committee on Scouting