11 Honored At Annual Scout Convocation Mass

By Melissa Williams Brown
Contributing Writer

TRAFFORD –  May 1, 2022 – Bishop Larry J. Kulick,  celebrant and homilist, proudly recognized 11 outstanding Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts from five troops and seven diocesan parishes during the annual Scout Convocation Mass at St. Regis Parish in Trafford. Father E. George Saletrik, pastor and Diocesan Scout chaplain presented emblems and recognitions.

Bishop Kulick praised the Scouts for their discipline and hard work. He told them in his homily that as Scouts and leaders, they especially have an important and moral obligation to make the best choices in life.

“That means each of you has a gift of free will. Sometimes we choose well, and sometimes our choices lead to sin,” said Bishop Kulick.

He told the honorees they were being recognized because they have worked hard and that they believe in Scouting and the Catholic church.

“God gives us so much that we can use to the best of our best abilities. Our talents and gifts can make a tremendous difference in the world today. Make good choices, and if you don’t make a good choice, fix it and make a better choice. We have an obligation to make the best choices for life-changing experiences.”

Bishop Kulick said when he looked out and saw the faces of the honorees during Mass, he saw Catholic leaders of the future who will lead the church and the world.

Father Saletrik, who was in Boy Scout Troop 616 in his hometown of Uniontown, was a Cub Scout when he was seven and a Boy Scout until he was 18. When he entered the seminary, he shadowed Father Lawrence Manchas, longtime Diocesan Scout chaplain. A proud Eagle Scout, Saletrik saw an article in his local newspaper about the historic mile markers along Route 40, or, the National Road, were in dire need of repair. He received permission from PennDOT and assistance from local lawmakers to complete the labor-intensive yearlong project in Fayette, Washington and Somerset counties.

Like Father Saletrik did in Scouting, he sees that the honorees have grown in their Catholic faith.

“There is much work for us to do. We need dedicated Scouts so we can minister to our troops,” said Saletrik.

Recipients of the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha emblem, Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, were Adalyn Besser, Troop 27099 of Immaculate Conception Parish in Irwin; Brianna Kern, Troop 16331 of St. Agnes Parish in North Huntingdon; and Kenzie Tatters, Troop 16331 of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, North Huntingdon.

Recipients of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton emblem were Camille Kuczynski, Troop 26112 of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish, Greensburg; and Marissa Hunter, Troop 26112, Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensburg.

Recipients of the Ad Altare Dei emblem, Boy Scouts of America Westmoreland-Fayette Council from St. Barbara Parish in Harrison City were Daniel Owoc, Zachary Posner, Braeden Simon, all of Troop 239, and Caeley Simon of Troop 1239; Scotty Clark Jr., Troop 239, Immaculate Conception Parish, Irwin; and Angela Henry, Troop 1239, St. John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale.