Religious Recognition Programs & Patches

The Catholic religious recognition programs administered by the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (NCCGSCF), under the auspices of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), allow young people to explore and become more involved in their Catholic faith.

All programs are designed to support and complement the catechetical efforts of Catholic parishes and schools. In particular, the Family of God is an excellent supplement for children preparing for the reception of their first Eucharist. The Spirit Alive provides substantial and creative activities to augment preparation for the sacrament of confirmation.

VISIT THE NFCYM STORE TO PURCHASE PROGRAM BOOKS AND PATCHES.

Note: Please reach out to your local diocese to let them know what program you are completing and ask about any additional requirement or award ceremonies they will be holding.

Our Catholic Faith Patches

NOTE TO PARENTS/VOLUNTEERS

Each patch is earned by youth completing four of the outlined activities.

  • To participate, download the PDF activity sheet for the patch desired.
  • Once the activities are completed and the patch earned, purchase the patch through the NFCYM Online Store.
  • Girl Scouts may place this patch on the back of the sash or vest.

PROGRAM GOALS

This series is designed for girls grades 1-12. Its goals are to:

  • Foster Catholic identity
  • Encourage youth to learn more about their faith
  • Encourage youth to serve their community
  • Encourage youth to grow in holiness

WOMEN IN SCRIPTURE

The Women in Scripture series focus on individuals who lived lives of courage and faithfulness. These women often fanned the flame of faith in their families and communities and were the backbone of the church and faith since the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Learn more about these strong faith-filled women.

MODELS OF FAITH

Throughout the long tradition of the Catholic Church, women and men have been inspired by the Holy Spirit to stand up for the faith in the midst of great trials and at deep personal risk. Learn more about these great Models of Faith.

Special Patches

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

The National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire, a constitutive member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, invites youth in grades K-12 to learn more about the appearance and miracles of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico almost 500 years ago. Youth will also learn about Our Ladys powerful meaning to people of Mexican heritage and about her love and compassion for the whole world. English Requirements.Click to Purchase.

El Comité Nacional Católico para las Niñas Scouts y Camp Fire, miembro constitutivo de la Federación Nacional para el Ministerio Juvenil Católico, invita a los jóvenes de los grados K-12 a aprender más sobre la aparición y los milagros de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en México hace casi 500 años. Los jóvenes también aprenderón sobre el poderoso significado de Nuestra Señora para las personas de herencia mexicana y sobre su amor y compasión por el mundo entero. Requisitos en Espanol. Compra Aquí.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PATCH

In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, the NCCGSCF presents this patch to help youth learn more about this amazing event! You can download the patch activities here .

Click to purchase

Adult Awards

Contact your local diocese’s Catholic Committee on Scouting to see how adults in your area may be nominated for an award.​

ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award was created by the Department of Education, USCC (now USCCB), in 1980 to recognize the significant contributions of persons serving the spiritual needs of Catholic members in organizations serving girls. It is offered to those dioceses that choose to use it, subject to the approval of the local ordinary. It is intended to recognize notable contributions to this field of youth ministry, although the St. Anne Medal remains the highest national award.

ST. ANNE

The St. Anne Medal for adults working with Catholic members of national organizations serving girls is an award of the Department of Education, USCC. It was inaugurated at the Sixth National Conference on Catholic Youth Work in Philadelphia in November 1957 and it was redesigned in 1980. It is offered to those dioceses which choose to use it, subject to the approval of the local ordinary. It is the highest national award in this field. The purpose of the award is to honor the outstanding service of adults contributing to the spiritual development of Catholic members of organizations for girls, and to further Catholic adult leadership in youth ministry through those organizations.

Yazmín Maní Malone

Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin


Diocesan Member

"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.

'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."

Eva P. Delgado

Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church

Associate Member

"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.

NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."