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Pope Pius XII Religious Emblem: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Writer's picture: Greg LongGreg Long

Updated: Jan 14

Written by: Alexandra Westover, Troop 12 Religious Emblem Coordinator



Who am I? What am I supposed to do with my life?"


For scouts aged 16-18 who are beginning to think about college and their future, those questions loom large in their minds. But in a world filled with noise and distractions, it can be hard to carve out the silence required to find answers to those questions.


Beginning in January 2024 and stretching through August, Troop 12 parent and religious emblem coordinator, Mrs. Alexandra Westover, led a group of 6 scouts through the Pope Pius XII religious emblem program.


The emblem is designed for Catholic scouts (aged 16+) and aims to help young men discern what/who God is ultimately calling them to be in their lives, and how they can serve their families, community, and the Church through their vocations.


Throughout the 7 months they met, the scouts reflected on friendships, relationships, communication, family life, and their role in their church and community.


Life Scout Cade Burggren said the meetings were “very hands-on”, like the panel discussion on vocations with 5 members of our community representing different vocational/”life-state” choices such as married life, single life, consecrated life, and priesthood.


Skyla Chamard, who was representing consecrated life during the panel discussion, told the boys, “The right vocation is the one God designed for you. If you do what He made you to do, you will be happy.”


Fr. Mark Bentz illustrated his point about discernment by holding up his phone and telling the group, “These are the ultimate vocation killer. Turn them off.”


As the scouts learned, discernment requires time in silence and prayer, along with an understanding of their personal spiritual gifts.


Star Scout Chris Diaz reflected, “One thing that surprised me was the similarities and differences of each vocation an individual was called to during the interviews. They look very different from the outside but have a lot in common in terms of the virtues needed and sacrifice required.”


A day trip to Mount Angel Abbey & Seminary was the highlight for the group. The day included a Eucharistic procession with Archbishop Alexander Sample, Noon prayer in the Abbey, a relic tour, a visit to the museum and library, a private tour of “the vault” (which houses the Abbey’s valuable collection of antique books, documents, and coins) and lunch with 5 of the monks who shared their vocation journeys with the group and talked about their life at the Abbey which is full of prayer, work, and fun (several of the monks are in a band together, for example).


Eagle Scout Luke Manning said, “The most impactful part of the class was the tour of Mount Angel Seminary. Previously, the brothers were just another religious group/option in the book, but this really brought them to life. Also, the group really bonded over the experience.”


Cade Burggren said the retreat to Mt. Angel stood out to him because, “I felt like I saw a pathway to a different life that I hadn't seen before. I discovered that marriage wasn't the only vocation for me, and I could become a monk.”



Troop 12 Scouts with the Mount Angel Monks
Troop 12 Scouts with the Mount Angel Monks

The final portion of the program focuses on vocational paths of employment.


Eagle Scout Steen Swartley-Anheluk said, “The class was valuable to me because it helped me to learn about what I can do in my life to help connect my work with my faith.”


Scouts explored different jobs they think they may be called to in the future and interviewed people in that line of work. For scouts who are just beginning to apply to college, it’s the perfect time to reflect upon these topics.


The class gave them the space to reflect on their gifts and talents and consider what might be a fulfilling role for them in their employment. They also talked about how those jobs might overlap with their respective life state, so whether they’re single, married, or a part of religious life.


Overall, the scouts highly recommend the Pope Pius XII emblem program to other Catholic scouts. Cade Burggren said, “Learning about vocations is an important part of growing in the faith. I feel like most people just think about being single or married when it comes to these things, but there are so many more callings in life.”


Archbishop Alexander Sample with Catholic Scouts working on Pope Pius XII religious emblem
Archbishop Alexander Sample with Catholic Scouts working on Pope Pius XII religious emblem

Eagle Scout Caleb Singleton said, “I think the most impactful part of the class was going to visit Mount Angel, discovering and seeing other types of ways to live religious life. What surprised me about the classes was that I was expecting it to be super boring, but it was not boring at all. It was super fun and engaging. I think this class was valuable for me. It really opened a lot more doors and made me realize that there are a lot more options in life than I thought. I would recommend this emblem for other scouts because it was just fun and engaging and it was a nice way to spend part of my day.”


Chris Diaz said, “The class helped me to get to know my fellow scouts on a deeper level, and it also helped me consider what vocation God is calling me to and how to discern. The class gave me & my fellow scouts the chance to not only speak but to also visit and experience (to a certain degree) the different vocations. I would highly recommend this class for all who are eligible to do so. Even if you are certain about your vocation, this class gives an opportunity to discuss with others and interview different people who have taken the next step into each of the different vocations. And if you are uncertain, then it should be more of a reason to take this class and learn more about the Catholic Faith.”


All 6 scouts from the class will be awarded their Pope Pius XII religious emblems in a special Mass on February 2nd with Bishop Peter Smith. Please pray for these young men as they continue to discern their vocations!


Eucharistic Procession at Mt. Angel Seminary
Eucharistic Procession at Mt. Angel Seminary

If any Troop 12 scouts would like to work on Catholic or other faith emblems, please reach out to Troop 12's Religious Emblem Coordinator, Mrs. Alexandra Westover.


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St. Alice Catholic Church

Eugene/Springfield. OR

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