Courage, Confidence And Character:

Special Mass Celebrated The Girl Scouts Of St Rose

By Shannon Hicks

Comparing Girl Scouting to the story of Jesus’s third appearance after the Resurrection, Father Bob Weiss led a celebration of scouting last week during a special Mass at St Rose Church. The Girl Scout Mass had been rescheduled from March, when a late season snowstorm forced the postponement of the Mass originally planned for March 16. The Mass had been planned then to cap Girl Scout Week, which ran March 11–17, when Girl Scouts across the country celebrated their founder, Juliette Gordon Low, and the organization’s 95-year commitment to helping girls build courage, confidence and character.

Approximately 35 girls participated in the Mass as altar servers, gift bearers, readers, choir singers, and flag holders. The Mass opened with a procession of girls walking toward the sanctuary with flags that represented Girl Scout troops filled by St Rose School students.

The flag procession included Rachel Phillips, Danielle DePinto, Alexis Nanavaty, and Ashley Wagnblas.

Stephanie Colucci offered a reading prior to the Call To Worship, which was then done by Emily Fisher.

“The week in which March 12 occurs is referred to as Girl Scout Week,” Stephanie read. “Our six troops, represented here today, have already made changes in our world. Together we have helped our community by donating Girl Scout Cookies to the FAITH Food Pantry and the Sandy Hook firehouse, and by collecting eyeglasses for the needy. We have made donations to the Festival of Trees to benefit the Newtown Youth Services and we have prepared Christmas wreaths for families in Newtown.

“We also supported our local animal center with a paper towel drive,” Stephanie continued. “Along with our fellow Girl Scout troops, we have brought a little cheer to the residents of Ashlar with our monthly birthday cards and gifts. Service men and women overseas have received our loving Valentine’s Day cards and, on behalf of AmeriCares, we have brought stuffed animals to children in hospitals and orphanages throughout the world.

“Today we are gathering as St Rose Girl Scouts to say Thank You for helping us to ‘put forth our best’ and to reflect upon the importance of our founder’s words, ‘to serve God,’ in our Girl Scout Promise,” she concluded.

“Each of the St Rose Girl Scout troops are represented with this procession,” said Father Bob, “and these girls are to be celebrated for everything they do. Girl Scouts do a lot of good.”

The third appearance of Jesus after his death on the cross takes place near the Sea of Tiberias. Father Bob related the story from the Book of John (Chapter 21), in which Jesus — who is not initially recognized by his disciples — encounters Simon Peter and others after a night of fishing, without luck. When he encourages Simon Peter and the others to cast their nets out once more, they are surprised to find 153 fish suddenly in their nets.

“Scouting — Boy or Girl Scouting — teaches us so much about ourselves,” said Father Bob. “It teaches us to not give up. Don’t get discouraged. Don’t give up hope. Keep believing.

“Just keep working,” he continued. “It works out. Every time you get a patch you’ve learned something about yourself.”

Prayers of the Faithful were led by nine readers: Emily Berube, Carly Brennan, Megan Foy, Sarah Hoffkins, Loni Ludenyi, Haley McNulty, Nina Pedalino, Katerina Ringes, and Audrey Sedensky.

Offertory gifts were presented to Father Bob by St Rose Girl Scouts and the third grade class, representing St Patrick, Girt Scouting, and religious symbols. A shamrock, or trifoliate clover, was given by Maren Brady and Bridget Moore to represent St Patrick, his work, and the three elements forming one entity.

A Girl Scout World Trefoil pin was presented by Nicole Palmieri as a symbol of the girls’ membership in the international movement and the Girl Scout three-fold promise. Additionally the pin’s gold color signified the sun shining over the children of the world.

Arline Almeter presented a strand of pearls to Father Bob, representing the symbol of Juliette “Daisy” Low, who sold her pearls to fund her creation.

Kristen Cirone carried a stuffed Daisy bunny, “one of our treasured mascots, which has traveled the world with fellow Girl Scouts, bringing our sisterhood closer together,” said Haley Ryan, the reader for the Offertory Procession. Kristin was joined by Cate Herrick and Savannah LaFerriere, who carried flowers to the altar.

Nina Pedalino carried strands of rosary beads, which served as a symbol of the girls’ devotion to their Catholic faith.

And finally, Ana Johnston and Adelaide Meier carried the bread and Marina Renzi carried the wine to be used for Communion. The elements represented the body and blood of Christ.

Toward the conclusion of the Mass, a gift was given to Mary Maloney, the principal of St Rose School. Stephanie Colucci offered the gift to Mrs Maloney, saying simply: “The St Rose Girl Scouts and their leaders thank you for supporting our Girl Scout movement.” The girls surrounded their principal, hugging her for a few minutes.

Altar servers for the Mass were Erin Bernardi, Elizabeth Ludanyi, Bridget Power, and Juliana Sansonetti. Music for the service included the hymn “Though The Mountains May Fall,” “We Have Been Told,” “You Are Mine,” and “They’ll Know We Are Christians.”