Catholic Scouts Share Fun, Fellowship, and Faith at 2002 Retreatoree

BY CHARLES PYLE

"By following the scout law you follow Christ," said the Rev. William LaFratta. Despite the gulf of years separating the retired priest from his young audience, Father LaFratta seemed to connect with the Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, and Girl Scouts gathered in the amphitheater at Camp T. Brady Saunders. Father LaFratta serves as the chaplain for the Central Vicariate Council on Catholic Scouting, which organized the April 19-21 Diocese of Richmond "Retreatoree"  at the Goochland County scout reservation.

The retreat was the first outdoor gathering of Richmond area Catholic-sponsored scout units since the mid-1990's. More than 100 scouts attended the retreat. Most came from Richmond-area Catholic units, including Boy Scout troops 737 (St. Mary's), 498 (St. Benedict), 479 (Holy Rosary), 893 (St. Edward's), 810 (Epiphany), and 503 (Redeemer).  Participating Catholic Venture crews included 503 (Redeemer) and 893 (St. Edwards). Two non-Catholic units with significant numbers of Catholic scouts also attended, including Boy Scout Troop 6516 (St. John's Lutheran Church, Farmville) and  Venture Crew759 (Lakeside United Methodist).

The retreat's theme, "I Am with You Always," was reflected in the events and activities. Some of the events combined scout crafts with Christian ethics,  while others contributed to the Saturday evening liturgy. Scouts, for example, lashed together the rustic altar used for the Saturday evening liturgy, which was concelebrated by Father LaFratta and Father Brian Rafferty, the scout chaplain for the Diocese of Richmond. The hosts consecrated during the mass were baked by scouts in "box ovens," which are cardboard boxes lined with aluminum foil and heated with several coals.

"The scouts had a great time," said Retreatoree Chairman Joseph Feher of St. Edwards. "There also were moments of complete silence as the scouts contemplated the depth of God's love for them."

One of those moments came late Saturday afternoon as the scouts witnessed a dramatic reenactment of the Crucifixion. Earlier in the day the scouts munched tuna  sandwiches as they listened to the Sermon on the Mount. The day closed with a campfire that featured skits presented by the troops based on scriptural themes. Several troops choose the parable of the Good Samaritan. The closing skit portrayed the martyrdom of St. George, and the saint's legendary encounter with a dragon. St. George is the patron of the scouting movement.