Gabriel Mannion)
When Cade Bailey set out to earn his Eagle Scout rank, he knew he wanted to take on a project that had a deeper purpose. It developed into a spiritual journey that would leave something to those who work at, live in, or visit Holy Name Heights in Madison – the former high school seminary turned diocesan offices and apartment building.
In February, Bailey, as a senior at Edgewood High School in Madison, reached out to the Diocese of Madison seeking such a project. What he found was a set of weathered Stations of the Cross tucked away on the Holy Name Heights campus.
“They were like cardboard images,” said Michael Wick, director of mission for the Diocese of Madison, who helped guide Bailey through the project. “If we’re going to replace them, we’re going to do it right,” he added.
What followed was a months-long effort involving design, fundraising, and construction, all culminating in a restored set of outdoor Stations.
“The previous ones [Stations] were an assembled kit. It was a picture printed on a sheet of metal,” Bailey explained. “In the sun, they were starting to peel and bleach out.”
Wick acquired a set of Stations from Ohio to repurpose at Holy Name Heights.
“They were contemporary, but yet, you know what they are,” he said.
With help from his mother’s colleague, an architectural renderer, Bailey created digital prototypes for the structures to hold each new stations. Once approved, he turned to fundraising, with the initial plan to visit local churches, but ultimately settling on individual outreach.
Each station cost $150 to cover materials and construction.
Unlike many Eagle Scout Projects, Bailey’s required three separate work days due to unexpected challenges and obstacles. The first day of work prioritized putting the Stations together, and the second day was focused on removing the old Stations, which was when a challenge arose.
“When we were drilling into the ground … we ran into some troubles with the auger,” Bailey said. “There were too many rocks and concrete from the previous Stations, but we managed to push through.”
On the third day of work, the new Stations were put into the ground.
Bailey said he couldn’t have done it all alone. Throughout the process, members of his local Scout Troop lent their hands and time to help.
As the leader of the project, Bailey emphasized how much he learned in the process, such as management, communication, and perseverance.
“It’s not rocket science,” he said, “but it does take dedication.”
The project wasn’t just about fulfilling a requirement for Bailey, but rather an expression of his faith. As a recent convert to Catholicism alongside members of his family, Bailey felt a strong connection between the values of the Church and those of the Scouts.
“In Scouts, we have rank advancement and merit badges, and there are lots of people there to help you. It develops a lot of skills and attitudes,” Bailey said. “And with the Church, there’s also structure there that is supportive through prayer, the saints, and the sacraments. They’re both about helping you achieve and be a better person.”
Wick also sees a similar thread.
“Very few Scouts become Eagle Scouts,” he said. “There’s a high percentage of seminarians who are Eagle Scouts. Why? Because they’re leaders.”
According to Scouting America, only four percent of Scouts reach the Eagle Scout rank. The project is a culmination of many years of dedication and hard work for Bailey.
Now complete, the new Stations of the Cross stand as a prayer space and symbol of service. They are complete with sturdy posts, durable artwork, prayer booklets, and a brochure box recognizing sponsors.
Residents, staff, students, visitors, and others at Holy Name Heights now have a renewed place to reflect and pray.
“It’s my hope that this will become a place of devotion,” said Wick.
Bailey agreed.
“Anyone can go and walk them. Bringing the Catholic community together, taking a deeper dive into our faith… that’s what this is about,” he said.
As he officially joins the ranks of the Eagle Scouts, Bailey hopes his project inspires others to look for purpose in service.
“For becoming an Eagle Scout,” he said, “means kind of reaching beyond that ‘good enough’ point, and proving to yourself that you can do it.”