MADISON — Congratulations to Catholic Scout leaders Lenny Komorowski, Michael Kleckner, and Josephine Gordon for being the recipients of the St. George emblem, Bronze Pelican emblem, and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recognition, respectively.
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| From left are Scout leaders Lenny Komorowski, Josephine Gordon, Fr. Brian Dulli (representing the Diocese of Madison), and Mike Kleckner. (Contributed photo) |
Eagle Scout Fr. Brian Dulli, acting on behalf of the Diocese of Madison, presented them with their awards at the Diocese of Madison Catholic Committee on Scouting (DMCCS) Annual Adult Recognition Luncheon held on November 15 at St. Dennis Parish in Madison.
Lenny Komorowski received the St. George adult religious emblem for his outstanding contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths in the Diocese of Madison through Boy Scouting. The St. George emblem is the highest honor that the Diocese of Madison can confer on adults working in the Boy Scouting program and is named after the patron saint of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting. Komorowski is a member of St. Patrick Parish in Cottage Grove.
Michael Kleckner received the Bronze Pelican adult religious emblem for his noteworthy contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths in the Diocese of Madison through Boy Scouting. The pelican has been used since the earliest days of the Church as a symbol of Christ’s self-sacrificial giving of himself to his people. In ancient times, the pelican was believed to pierce its own breast to provide life-giving blood to its young, just as Christ shed his own lifeblood to give his children life. Therefore, the Bronze Pelican emblem is an appropriate award for adult leaders who give of themselves to nurture youth. Kleckner is a member of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Madison.
Josephine Gordon received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton adult religious recognition for her noteworthy contributions to the spiritual development of Catholic youths in the Diocese of Madison through Girl Scouting. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton had a love for girls that prompted her to start the first free Catholic school for girls in the United States. She is also the first citizen born in the United States to be canonized as a saint. Therefore she is an appropriate role model for adult leaders who work with Catholic Girl Scouts. Gordon is a member of St. Patrick Parish in Lodi.
These adult religious emblems and recognitions awards are not earned but are conferred by the Diocese of Madison through an annual nomination, selection, and approval process administered by the DMCCS.
At the luncheon, Girl Scouts of Troops 2305, 2568, and 2893 led the opening ceremony. Other adults were recognized for their work in Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting.
Gabe Szerlong, an Eagle Scout in St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish’s Boy Scout Troop 471 in Milton, also gave a presentation on his participation at this past summer’s St. George Trek, a 14-day high adventure religious activity for Catholic Boy Scouts and Venturers at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Szerlong had the opportunity to backpack for part of the trek with Bishop Gerald A. Gettelfinger of the Diocese of Evansville, Ind., and Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio. He said his St. George Trek was a once in a lifetime experience.
To nominate someone working in the Boy or Girl Scouting program for an adult religious emblem or recognition, to obtain information on the next St. George Trek in 2011, or to find out about other programs offered by the DMCCS, visit www.madisondiocese.org/scouting or contact the Diocese of Madison Catholic Committee on Scouting, c/o Bishop O’Connor Catholic Pastoral Center, P.O. Box 44983, Madison, WI 53744-4983, or call 608-821-3173.