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The purpose of the Ad Altare Dei ( To the Altar of God ) program is to help Catholic Youth of the Roman Rite develop a fully Christian way of life in the faith community.The program is organized in chapters based on the seven sacraments.The seven Sacraments are a primary means toward spiritual growth. |
| The most important aspect of the program is that the Scout grows in his spiritual experience of his relationship to God and the church. | |
| ELILIBILITY | Registered youth in a Troop or Crew of the Catholic Faith. Designed for youth 13-14 years old, older youth may use this program. Active member of a unit for 6 months. Completed 6th grade before starting the program. |
REQUIREMENTS |
Each Scout must have his own Activity Book. The book is designed for the youth to work on with the guidance of a counselor. The program is designed to be completed in 6-8 months. The use of a Catholic Bible is required for this program. You will need to have one to use. Regular participation in Sunday worship. Diocesan and BSA Youth Protection policies must be followed. Complete the requirements in the Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual. Successfully complete an Ad Altare Dei Board of Review. A trained religious emblems coordinator/counselor/moderator is required to work on religious emblems. Contact the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting to become trained and for ceremony schedules. |
| SCOUT’S ROLE | Attend monthly meetings. Actively work on the activities. All journal entries, reports, and written work should be legible and neat. Work through the Ad Altare Dei Scout Manual with your counselor using a Bible where appropriate. There are three parts to each step. When all parts of a step are completed, review the Emblem book with the counselor. Be prepared to share experiences at the Board of Review. Attend a retreat or Day of Recollection while working on the AAD program. Keep the Religious Emblems Coordinator informed of his progress. |
| PARENT’S ROLE | Counselors for the Ad Altare Dei emblem should be approved in advance by their pastors and the Scout Chaplain or Catholic Committee in Scouting. The Religious Emblem Counselor’s Guide is an integral part of this program and contains the necessary resources for anyone. All religious Emblem Counselors and Facilitators must have current BSA Youth Protection and Local Diocese Youth Protection training. Use the AAD Counselor Guide. Use Religious Emblem Reference Manual (PDF). Counsel the participants when required, and in general facilitate (keep moving and on track) the general discussion. Hold weekly meetings lasting 60-90 minutes. The youths Emblem book is to be examined as the Scout proceeds through each step of the program. The counselor will sign and date the certification of completion for the step Spiritual growth should be evident when progressing from step to step. Keep the Religious Emblems Coordinator informed of the youth’s progress. |
| AAD Counselor Guide | AD ALTARE DEI Counselor Guide |
