"WALK IN THE LIGHT" -- THE TRAIL LIFE CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS EMBLEMS PROGRAM
The National Catholic Committee of Trail Life USA is working to provide a series of strong Catholic religious emblems. We expect to offer four emblems, each of which will, respectively, emphasize one of the following age-appropriate themes: family, fraternity, fidelity, and vocation.
Catholic participants in our "Walk in the Light" emblems program can be confident that all the teachings within the curriculum are consistent with the teachings of the Magisterium. Our emblems program will include a catechetical component with a sacramental focus and the stamp of at least one Bishop's imprimatur. Each emblem will introduce a Trailman to additional intellectual resources, saints and heroes of the faith, prayers, devotions, and sacramentals. The emblems will be made available online, but it will include interactive, service, and mentoring elements.
Many aspects of the program are still subject to further revision, and we invite your suggestions. Nonetheless, below is a basic explanation of the overall program and an introduction to each emblem.
National Catholic Committee of Trail Life USA
c/o WitnessWorks Foundation for a Culture of Life
4 Family Life Lane
Front Royal, Virginia 22630
Tel 540.622.8070
Fax 540.622.2247
WOODLANDS (5-10) THE FAMILIA DEI ("FAMILY OF GOD") EMBLEM
There are actually three "ribbons" within this emblem, and each ribbon is designed to be earned during a specific stage in the Woodlands Trail. If they choose to do so, Catholics in Trail Life can quite literally be working on a religious emblem nearly the entire time they are in Trail Life.
The "Our Father" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 5-6; the "His Mercy Endures Forever" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 7-8; and the "I Shall Not Fear" ribbon is aimed at boys at ages 9-10. The sacramental focus of each ribbon is, respectively, Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Anointing of the Sick. Each ribbon emphasizes a distinct liturgical season: Christmas, Lent, and especially the Passion of Christ.
The scriptural focus of this emblem is on the Ten Commandments and the Prodigal Son, and the theological virtue and corresponding theme that is emphasized are Hope and Mercy. Specific points of emphasis are the Jesus Prayer, Novenas, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Corporal Works of Mercy. The emblem emphasizes God the Father, and the social interactive work of this emblem is to introduce the concept of spiritual fatherhood by introducing the young Trailmen to a spiritual father, such as his pastor or his Bishop.
NAVIGATORS (11-13) THE FRATRES IN CHRISTO ("BROTHERS IN CHRIST") EMBLEM
The sacramental focus of this emblem is the Holy Eucharist. The scriptural focus is on the Last Supper, the Beatitudes, and the Parable of the Talents, and the theological virtue and corresponding theme that is emphasized are Charity and Sacrificial Love. Specific points of emphasis are Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, devotional praying of the Rosary, and the Spiritual Works of Mercy. The emblem emphasizes God the Son, and the social interactive work of this emblem is to introduce the concept of fraternal support by introducing the young Trailmen to the Knights of Columbus or a Squires Circle, or the Delta Life option within Trail Life.
ADVENTURERS (14-16) THE CHRISTUM REGNUM ("CHRIST THE KING") EMBLEM
The sacramental focus of this emblem is Confirmation. The scriptural focus is on the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, and the theological virtue and corresponding theme that is emphasized are Faith and Fidelity. Specific points of emphasis are Consecration to Jesus through the Blessed Mother, praying Lexio Divina, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The emblem emphasizes God the Holy Spirit, and the social interactive work of this emblem is to introduce the concept of communal faith life by introducing the young Trailmen to a monastic community.
ADVENTURERS (16-18) THE "SWORD OF SAINT MICHAEL" EMBLEM
The sacramental focus of this emblem is Matrimony and Holy Orders. The scriptural focus is on the Great Commission. The social interactive work of this emblem is to introduce the concept of vocational discernment by introducing the young Trailmen to one or more seminarians as well as to a husband and father.